CBC Podcasts — the flagship podcast studio of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — has an open call for pitches, welcoming new ideas from creators, producers, and storytellers year-round. As part of its ongoing search for innovative and engaging audio series, CBC is looking for compelling stories that fit its standards of depth, creativity, and audience relevance.
For small creators and independent producers, this represents a rare chance to partner with a major public broadcaster and bring ambitious podcast projects to life. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare a pitch that gets noticed.
Why This Matters for Small Creators
CBC Podcasts reaches millions of listeners nationally and internationally and has produced successful series like audio dramas and cultural shows that resonate widely. Its mandate includes pushing creative boundaries and telling stories with depth and insight.
Unlike commercial networks that focus solely on monetization, CBC values public interest, innovation, and narrative quality — making it a promising platform for creators with distinctive voices.
1. Understand What CBC Wants
Before you pitch, research the kind of content CBC Podcasts supports:
- Investigative or documentary storytelling
- Narrative nonfiction with a strong arc
- Serialized formats that sustain interest over multiple episodes
- Experimental or creative audio formats that redefine podcast norms
CBC isn’t just looking for one-off pieces. A strong pitch must prove there’s enough story and listener interest to support multiple episodes, often six to ten or more.
2. Know the Audience and Platform
CBC Podcast listeners often expect intelligent, well-crafted audio that explores topics from diverse perspectives. Many audience members are passionate about storytelling that’s thoughtful, deep, and culturally relevant.
Creators should:
- Listen to current CBC Podcasts series to understand tone and format
- Identify what gaps or fresh perspectives your idea fills
- Think about how your show would fit the CBC platform and its audience needs
3. Nail the Core of Your Pitch
An effective pitch should include:
a) A Clear Concept
Summarize your idea in one strong sentence. What is it? Why does it matter?
b) A Series Plan
Explain the structure and why it sustains interest across multiple episodes.
c) Audience Hook
Tell CBC why this story will draw listeners in and resonate with broader themes or current conversation.
d) Your Credentials
What makes you the right person to tell this story? Highlight relevant experience, expertise, or insight.
e) Practical Production Details
Outline a reasonable production timeline and budget expectations where appropriate.
4. Keep It Concise and Professional
Podcasts producers appreciate pitches that are clear, concise, and easy to review. While CBC doesn’t publish strict word limits for pitches, standard media pitching advice suggests being brief and direct — often one to two pages or roughly 200–500 words that get to the heart of your idea quickly.
Avoid jargon, long backstory, or unrelated information. The clearer your vision, the easier it is for producers to see its potential.
5. Personalize and Follow Up
If you have contact information for a CBC producer or the appropriate editorial team, address them by name and reference specific shows or episodes that inspire your pitch. Personalization shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely understand CBC’s work.
If you don’t hear back right away — and larger public broadcasters do receive many submissions — it’s acceptable to follow up politely after a reasonable interval.
6. Use Feedback and Iterate
Many successful podcasters refine their ideas through feedback before submission. Consider:
- Testing your concept with a small audience
- Recording a short pilot or proof-of-concept sample
- Talking through your idea with other creators for perspective
Feedback helps sharpen clarity and focus — both crucial for a pitch that stands out.
CBC Podcasts’ open call for pitches is more than a chance to be heard — it’s a springboard for ambitious creators who want to partner with a public broadcaster known for quality, depth, and reach. By understanding CBC’s standards, preparing a focused concept, and articulating your story clearly, small creators can transform a great idea into a professional production opportunity.
More for new podcasters:
Staff Report
Nathan Sellars
Ashton York
