The Importance of Project Management in Streamlining Podcast Production
The popularity of podcasts has grown exponentially over the last few years, making podcast production an integral part of the media landscape. However, the podcast industry is still in its infancy, and many podcasting companies are still perfecting what a profitable and sustainable podcast production business looks like and how it operates.
When exploring the Podcast Taxonomy White Paper (v1.1 April 2022), by Podchaser and Staff Me Up, we noticed that there are no dedicated Project Manager roles mentioned. This struck us as a critical omission.
Centralized project management is key to ensuring profitability for podcast companies. It also helps guarantee client satisfaction in the branded podcast space.
Here’s how it works:
Strong project management ensures that projects are completed efficiently, within budget, on schedule, and aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the business. As Mandy Elkoreh, our Director of Delivery puts it:
“Having good project management is like having Waze – but for your podcast production; Your own navigation tool that uses real-time data from all users, to suggest the most efficient route to reach your destination, all while taking into account obstacles that could delay your drive.”
Don’t get us wrong, it’s not that project management is not being done. There will always be a need to connect and drive a production forward, and that task will always fall to someone on the team. The question is – is it the right person for the job? Is it being treated as a dedicated role – or is it taking someone away from their primary focus?
At JAR, we pinpointed this challenge early on under the leadership of then Head of Operations, America Turner; for whom it became rapidly clear that:
“As a hybrid agency providing creative consultation, production and audience growth services, along with talent and client management – JAR needed a team to oversee and coordinate all these service offerings.”
America took her inspiration from other creative industries, such as marketing agencies and the film industry. These companies had successfully used Project and Account Managers, as well as Line Producers to manage “traffic”, AKA operations, external and internal communications, project budgets and timelines, talent management, team capacity and overall wellness.
This inspiration gave birth to the Project Lead role at JAR Audio – now so integral to our individual project teams. It also spawned our whole Delivery Department, a pillar in our company operations.
Today, the Project Lead at JAR is a master of balancing two worlds: supporting the client and managing the production team. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of a podcast production, acting as a guide for the client, helping them navigate the process and ensuring that their vision is brought to life. At the same time, they manage and coordinate the production team, making sure that the podcast is progressing smoothly. By striking this delicate balance, the Project Lead creates a harmonious system that streamlines communication and supports the clients like a well-oiled machine.
JAR’s decision to invest in centralizing project and client management has paid off. We have vastly improved our ability to anticipate and respond to obstacles and identify opportunities to continually improve. This lets us build replicable mechanisms to support our clients and teams as we grow, but most importantly, creates much-needed “headspace” for our Creatives to keep their eyes on the road, and focus on delivering the best possible podcasts.
5 Takeaways on Project Leads and Podcast Production
- Project management is crucial for podcast production. Ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and within budget is essential for success.
- A dedicated Project Manager role is missing in many podcast companies. This omission can impact profitability and client satisfaction.
- Centralized project management helps streamline operations. It ensures all team members can focus on their primary roles without being pulled in different directions.
- JAR Audio’s Project Lead role balances client and team needs. This role ensures smooth production progress and clear communication.
- Investing in project management improves overall efficiency and creativity. It allows creative teams to focus on delivering high-quality podcasts.
By Jessica Wills & Mandy Elkoreh, JAR Audio Delivery Department
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
