- National public broadcasters will collaborate on Short Cuts for podcast and radio platforms with the original host, British comedian Josie Long.
- As part of the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions has issued a call for pitches from emerging and established audio producers, open from now until July 1 at 11:59 p.m. BST on their website.
National public broadcasters CBC, ABC and the BBC today announced that they are joining forces to bring back the beloved audio short-form documentary series Short Cuts as a podcast and radio series, with the original host, British comedian Josie Long, and produced by the creators of the series, U.K. radio production company Falling Tree Productions. From its inception in 2012 and up until its final episode in 2025, the original long-running program was known as a home for award-winning personal documentaries and experimental storytelling, and developed a devoted international following.
For the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions has announced a call for pitches, open from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1 on their website. The new iteration of the series will premiere in 2027 everywhere podcasts are available, as well as on CBC Listen, BBC Sounds and ABC listen, and radio platforms CBC Radio, BBC Radio 4 and ABC Radio.
"I can't wait to start making Short Cuts again,” said host Josie Long. “It's been the joy and privilege of my career to present this series! There are so many new ideas, voices and ways of making things in sound to discover - I'm proud to be a part of a show that is dedicated to helping bring these into the world."
“This landmark collaboration not only revives a beloved series, but also represents a shared commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in narrative audio,” said Arif Noorani, Director, CBC Podcasts. “By sharing resources and expanding audiences with BBC and ABC, we are building on the Short Cuts legacy of developing the next generation of audio makers.”
“Short Cuts is a brilliant showcase for inventive, intimate audio storytelling, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to global audiences through this collaboration with CBC and the BBC,” said Jess Radburn, ABC Head of Audio on Demand. “This renowned short-form series gives Australian creators the chance to be heard alongside leading emerging and established talent worldwide, and through the open pitch call we’re supporting the next wave of bold audio storytellers on a global stage.”
“I’m delighted that the BBC is partnering with CBC and ABC to bring Short Cuts back, not only to its existing loyal fanbase but also to new listeners around the world,” says Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4. “It's a powerful example of how public broadcasters can join forces to champion distinctive audio, and a brilliant addition to the opportunities Radio 4 already offers to emerging producers to help them develop their craft."
Known for its adventurous spirit, the original Short Cuts series became a cornerstone of the global audio community, with each episode featuring a selection of short documentaries exploring a wide range of subjects through inventive and highly crafted audio. The series offered both established and emerging creators a rare space to experiment with form, sound and narrative. Short Cuts has received two Gold awards for Best Radio Podcast at the British Podcast Awards; the Gold Award, Best New Artists and Best Short at the Third Coast International Audio Festival; the Miller Audio Prize in Audio Documentary; as well as awards from Prix Marulić, Grand Prix Nova, and Hearsay Festival.
As part of the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions is hosting an open call for pitches from international audio producers. The call invites both emerging and established makers to submit ideas for short audio documentaries that embody the spirit of Short Cuts: inventive, personal, and sonically adventurous. More information can be found on their website, and pitches can be submitted from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1.
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About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About ABC
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s national public broadcaster,
delivering valued services that reflect and contribute to Australian society, culture, and identity. We are Australia’s most trusted news source, providing local, national, and world news across our platforms from locations in every state and territory. ABC Audio delivers live and on demand content across radio, podcasts, music networks, and ABC listen, connecting audiences with trusted journalism, culture, music, sport, and storytelling. The ABC Screen division is Australia’s largest commissioner of local content, championing Australian stories and supporting local talent in partnership with independent producers. ABC International is Australia’s leading source of independent news, information, and media support for the Indo-Pacific region and Australians worldwide, including ABC Radio Australia’s 24-hour FM services broadcasting from 25 locations across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
About BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is the UK’s biggest speech network with nearly nine million listeners every week in the UK, and more around the world. Home to flagship news programmes such as Today, Radio 4 delivers fearless journalism, storytelling that helps audiences make sense of an increasingly complex world, alongside entertainment and companionship through world‑class comedy and drama - including the world's longest running drama serial, The Archers. As well as live listening, BBC Radio 4 programmes can also be found on demand on BBC Sounds and across podcast platforms.
