#90: Did Video Kill the Radio Star?
Did Video Kill the Radio Star?
In this episode of Audio Talks, I had the honour of catching up with Karen Pearson, an award-winning producer and the visionary founder of Folded Wing, to explore her remarkable journey through the world of audio, and to answer the big question “Did Video Kill the Radio Star?”
From her early passion for music and radio to leading one of the UK’s most innovative audio production companies, Karen shares how creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of sound have shaped her path. She reflects on the founding of Folded Wing and its mission to champion diversity and inclusion in audio storytelling.
Karen offers a heartfelt perspective on the enduring magic of live radio – its intimacy, authenticity, and the irreplaceable role of passionate presenters. She contrasts this with the rise of video and streaming, emphasizing why radio’s local connection and human touch still matter in a digital world. She also highlights the democratizing power of podcasts, celebrating how they’ve opened up the world of audio to new voices and fresh perspectives. As technology continues to reshape the audio landscape, Karen explains why these changes only enhance radio’s role as a source of comfort, community, and companionship.
More useful links and information:
Have a listen to Ezra Collective here.
Link to the Prom: https://www.foldedwing.co.uk/news_and_blog/7685-soweto-kinch-to-host-a-special-edition-of-round-midnight-for-this-years-proms
We Live In Philly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ803dflKx4
Jamie Cullum show on BBC Radio 2: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rr86v
The Clint Eastwood video clip: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009vy6r
Tribute to Dave Brubeck: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0127ll1
‘Round Midnight – Daily jazz show with Soweto Kinch on BBC Radio 3: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xmqv
Make sure to follow HARMAN on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:
Instagram @audiotalkspodcast
Instagram @HARMAN_intl
Facebook @HARMANint
LinkedIn @HARMAN International
https://artoflistening.harman.com/
Audio Podcast
About Folded Wing
Folded Wing – making waves for the future.
Straight out of Essex, Folded Wing are passionate about producing content that makes a difference. Collaborations with artists, creators, producers and musicians allow us to take risks and develop new opportunities in the creative space. Founder and CEO Karen Pearson set up in her flat and was soon described as ‘the Queen of the podcast’ by TimeOut. In 2022 the Radio Academy awarded her a Fellowship, the highest individual accolade within audio.
Podcast clients include Nike, Red Bull, Jazz FM, Rinse FM and Field Day alongside National Portrait and Whitworth galleries, HarperCollins, and the Prison Radio Association. Syndicated show Taking Off With Jamie Cullum is being broadcast on six airlines.
Folded Wing have been making weekly radio shows and documentaries for the BBC since the late 2000s. Currently, in their 15th year of producing BBC Radio 2’s award winning The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum and series five of award winning For The Love of Hip Hop with Romesh Ranganathan, Folded Wing launched the BBC’s first ever week-night daily jazz show ‘Round Midnight hosted by Soweto Kinch on BBC Radio 3 in 2024, establishing itself as the largest producer of jazz content in the UK.
We have a proven track record in nurturing talent on and off the mic, and a long-standing commitment to increasing diversity in the audio industry, operating from our bases on the east coast of England, London, Coventry, Oxford and Newcastle.
For more info see: www.foldedwing.co.uk
About HARMAN
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, HARMAN designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things.
With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world.
More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training and competitive compensation. Looking for a challenge where your experience is valued? Come see what you can achieve as a leader with HARMAN!
More info: HARMAN.com
Audio Talks
A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry, and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets.
Audio Talks is presented by Harman.
To view all of the Audio Talks podcast episodes click here.
For more podcasts click here.
