Inside R&D: Innovation Explained

BBC R&D

This podcast focuses on the future of technology in media, made by the BBC’s own Research & Development team and explains the innovation behind it.

Episodes

  1. 3 JULY

    Crypto hype or the future? The BBC and blockchain

    In this final episode of Inside R&D’s inaugural series, Joseph Turner is joined by Nigel Earnshaw, an R&D Engineer, to demystify decentralised, distributed ledger technology (DLT). We explore why this tech has captured global attention, the risks that are emerging around it, and how it might have the potential to solve real world problems and even benefit the media industry. From creator remuneration to misinformation, we ask: can blockchain be a force for public good? And what role could the BBC play in shaping its ethical future?   Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:  https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp-pdf-files/WHP408.pdf https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/distributed-ledger-technologies-dlts-and-the-bbc https://ethereum.org/en/ https://soneium.org/en/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56371912   Thanks to: Hell Raymond-Hayling – Video Assistant Ben Hughes – Production Assistant Alan Archer-Boyd – Production Assistant   Find us on: Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd Mastadon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRD X: https://x.com/bbcrd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCResearchAndDevelopment/

    29 min

  2. 26 JUNE

    What goes on in R&D? The hidden architects of broadcasting

    Why does the BBC have an R&D department? In this episode, we’re joined by Antonia Kerle, Chief Technology Advisor, to uncover the origins, purpose, and impact of BBC R&D. From pioneering broadcast tech to advising on emerging technologies, this team ensures the BBC evolves with audience habits and tech trends. Discover how R&D helps the BBC stay relevant, innovative, and committed to its public service mission in a rapidly changing media landscape.   Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/5is-ai-internet-interactive-immersive-intermediated-technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/ideas/ https://www.bbcstudios.com/what-we-do/content-studio/   Thanks to: Hell Raymond-Hayling – Video Assistant Ben Hughes – Production Assistant Alan Archer-Boyd – Production Assistant   Find us on: Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd Mastadon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRD X: https://x.com/bbcrd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCResearchAndDevelopment/

    27 min

  3. 19 JUNE

    Value for all? Why the future of media needs young voices

    In this episode of Inside R&D, Joseph Turner speaks to Alice Weavers from the Responsible Innovation Centre for Public Media Futures (RIC) about reimagining youth engagement in media. The Responsible Innovation Centre is an independent research centre hosted by the BBC and funded by UKRI, a non-governmental public body that directs UK research and innovation funding. From co-creating content to reshaping policy, they explore how involving young people directly can transform public service media. Discover why ethical innovation starts with listening—and how the BBC can lead the way.

    28 min

  4. 12 JUNE

    What is an LLM? How BBC R&D is shaping the future of AI

    In this episode of Inside R&D, Tom Potter joins Joseph Turner to explore how the BBC is using AI to enhance journalism, accessibility, and public service media. Diving deeper into large language models (LLMs), the challenges of ensuring factual accuracy, and the importance of aligning AI tools with BBC values. From assisting our journalists to transcribing sports commentary and improving accessibility, this episode offers a transparent look at the BBC’s thoughtful approach to AI innovation. Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode:https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications... https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/202... https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/rep... https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/202... https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/rep... https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/topics/artif...Find us on:Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rdMastadon: https://social.bbc/@BBCRDX: https://x.com/bbcrdFacebook: https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment

    25 min

  5. 5 JUNE

    Can we still trust the news? BBC R&D's answer to disinformation

    In this episode of Inside R&D, we dive into BBC R&D’s ground-breaking efforts to tackle misinformation and restore the trust in media and news. Host Joseph Turner sits down with Principal Research Engineer Charlie Halford to explore how content credentials, open standards like C2PA, and innovative verification tools are helping journalists prove the authenticity of their stories. From deepfakes to AI-generated images, discover how BBC R&D is building the future of trustworthy news. Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode: https://iptc.org/about-iptc/ https://c2pa.org https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2024/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/bbcverify https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2024-03-c2pa-verification-news-journalism-credentials https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/content-credentials-bbc-verify https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ofj4cb1J_I Find us on: Website: ⁠https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd⁠ Mastadon: ⁠https://social.bbc/@BBCRD⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/bbcrd⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment⁠

    25 min

  6. 29 MAY

    Is gen AI going too far? Upcoming trends, uncharted truths

    In this thought-provoking debut episode, Joseph Turner sits down with Natasha Westland from BBC R&D's Blue Room - our team of consumer technology experts - to explore the fast-moving world of generative AI. From creative possibilities to ethical dilemmas, Natasha shares insights on both the promise and the pitfalls of AI’s growing influence across industries. Follow the links below to learn more about the things mentioned in this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2015-01-the-ethics-of-data-videos https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2023-04-ai-real-authenticity-generative-media https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/cloud-computing-energy-monitoring-footprint https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-05-ai-agents-challenges-summary Find us on: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd⁠⁠ Mastadon: ⁠⁠https://social.bbc/@BBCRD⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/bbcrd⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/bbcresearchanddevelopment⁠

    25 min

  7. TRAILER

    Trailer: Inside R&D

    Inside R&D

    2 min

Trailer

About

This podcast focuses on the future of technology in media, made by the BBC’s own Research & Development team and explains the innovation behind it.

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