On 25 February 2026, the Sunderland Business Improvement District announced that the region’s first television studio designed specifically for podcasting has seen a surge of interest from local organisations in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The facility gives small businesses, charities, and independent creators access to professional recording equipment that was previously difficult to find in the area.
The new studio is operated by Howell Media, a production firm run by a father and daughter who moved their company to the city from Barnard Castle. Based at the North East BIC on Hylton Riverside, the space allows users to create high-quality audio and video content for the internet.
Within just a few weeks of opening, the studio has already received a high volume of enquiries from groups looking to film and record their own programmes. This interest is expected to help bring new training opportunities and jobs to the community while encouraging more people to visit the city.
The project is part of a growing media scene in the city that includes the future Crown Works Studios and specialized media courses at the University of Sunderland. These developments work together to help local students and professionals find long-term careers in creative industries without having to move away from home.
This growth also fits into the wider Riverside Sunderland redevelopment, which is a multi-million-pound plan to modernise the city centre. By providing a dedicated space for professional broadcasting, the studio helps local residents and organisations share their stories with a wider audience.
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