Create a Classroom Podcast: Production Checklist from Ant & Dec’s Launch

Stressed about deadlines, roles, and promotion for a student podcast? Here’s a production checklist inspired by Ant & Dec’s launch

Creating a classroom podcast is exciting — but it can also be chaotic: missed deadlines, fuzzy roles, weak promotion, and last-minute edits. Take the stress out of it by using a production-first approach. Drawing lessons from Ant & Dec’s 2026 launch of Hanging Out on their Belta Box channel, this guide gives you a step-by-step production checklist, a practical timeline, and role templates that work for student teams.

The quick take: What made Ant & Dec’s approach relevant for classrooms

In January 2026 Ant & Dec announced Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, a casual-format podcast hosted as part of their Belta Box digital channel. They leaned into audience feedback, cross-platform promotion, and bite-sized repurposing: "We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out'," Declan Donnelly said. That simple, audience-led brief and multi-platform plan is perfect for student media projects.

Lessons to steal for your classroom podcast

• Audience-first brief: Ask classmates what they want to hear and shape episodes to meet demand.
• Cross-platform promotion: Use short-form clips on TikTok/Instagram and full episodes on podcast platforms and YouTube.
• Clear roles and deadlines: Assign responsibilities and set timeboxed milestones.
• Repurpose content: Turn one episode into a carousel post, three short clips, and a transcript for accessibility. For faster repurposing, consider creative automation templates and adaptive assets to speed content templates and resizing.

Why a production checklist matters more in 2026

Podcast ecosystems changed rapidly through 2024–2025: more creators, algorithm-driven discovery, and powerful AI editing tools. By 2026, classroom teams that follow a disciplined production checklist get higher-quality episodes faster and boost reach with efficient repurposing and analytics-driven promotion.

Use this checklist to tame the common pain points students face: poor time management, messy edits, unclear citations, and weak promotion.

Quick-start production checklist (one-page)

• Pre-production: Episode brief, guest outreach, research, script outline, project timeline, permissions & release forms.
• Technology check: Mics, headphones, recording software, backup recorder, quiet space booked. Consider recommendations from compact studio and compact vlogging field guides to optimise small setups.
• Roles confirmed: Host, producer, editor, fact-checker, promotion lead, show notes writer.
• Recording day: Pre-roll sound check, mic levels, test recording, backup file, clap/marker for edit points.
• Post-production: Rough edit, AI-assisted transcription, human review for accuracy, final mix, file export (MP3 128–192kbps or WAV for archival), ID3 tags. See also ideas for iterative workflows in modular publishing workflows.
• Distribution: Upload to host (e.g., Libsyn, Anchor, Podbean), schedule release, add episode art and show notes, RSS check.
• Promotion: 1-minute clip for TikTok, 30–60s reel for Instagram, audiogram for Twitter/X, classroom newsletter email. For short-form playbooks and vertical optimisation, check the AI vertical video playbook.
• Review: Analytics check 24–72 hours after release; collect feedback; iterate. Use creative automation to streamline A/B tests and post variants (see creative automation).

Roles and responsibilities — classroom-ready templates

Define roles early. Classroom projects fail when students assume tasks are “someone else’s job.” Below are role templates you can copy into a project brief.

Project Manager / Producer (1)

• Owns the timeline and deadlines.
• Books rooms, confirms schedules, and enforces airtime limits.
• Runs pre-production meetings and the release calendar.

Host(s) (1–2)

• Leads interviews, follows the script outline, and keeps conversation on track.
• Prepares key questions and listener prompts (call-to-action).

Editor / Audio Engineer (1–2)

• Handles raw audio cleanup, noise reduction, pacing, and final mix.
• Uses tools like Audacity, Reaper, or (AI-assisted) Descript/Adobe Podcast for efficiency — but always performs a human review. For recommendations on monitoring gear and headsets, consult the wireless headset reviews and adapt for closed-back monitoring.

Researcher / Fact-Checker (1)

• Prepares show notes, timestamps, and citation list; checks claims and permissions.
• Prepares source list for show notes and teacher review (important for academic integrity).

Promotion Lead (1)

• Creates social assets, schedules posts, writes captions, and monitors engagement.
• Prepares short clips and an email/Slack announcement for the school community. If you need help with social tactics that drive shares, review guides on creating viral posts and CTAs.

Accessibility & Archive Lead (1)

• Ensures transcripts are accurate, adds alt text to images, and archives a WAV master file.

Two practical timelines: semester project vs. crash production

Pick a timeline that matches your classroom schedule. Below are two proven templates.

8-week semester timeline (recommended for most classes)

1. Week 1 — Kickoff & roles assigned; audience survey in class (Ant & Dec-style).
2. Week 2 — Episode briefs due; research & guest invites.
3. Week 3 — Script outlines and pre-interview checks.
4. Week 4 — Recording week for Episode 1 (reserve two sessions: main + backup).
5. Week 5 — Editing and show notes; social assets drafted.
6. Week 6 — Release Episode 1; promotion; analytics baseline.
7. Week 7 — Feedback session; iteration on format & roles for Episode 2.
8. Week 8 — Record Episode 2 or final project wrap; submit reflection.

2-week crash timeline (use for tight deadlines or competitions)

1. Day 1 — Team meeting, assign roles, rapid audience poll.
2. Day 2 — Episode brief + research sprint.
3. Day 3 — Script & guest confirm; schedule recording.
4. Day 4 — Record (use quiet classroom, phone with external mic as backup). If you need help choosing a phone or backup device for quick shoots, see the phone guide buyer’s guide.
5. Days 5–6 — Edit, transcribe (AI-assisted), and QA.
6. Day 7 — Publish and promote; classroom launch party. Consider a micro-event playbook for efficient launch parties and live hosting tips.

Detailed pre-production checklist (do NOT skip)

• Episode brief: Title, objective, 3 key talking points, runtime target (12–20 min for student shows), and desired outcome (entertain? inform? provoke?).
• Audience input: 2–3 questions collected from peers or a class survey (Ant & Dec asked their audience — you can too).
• Consent & release forms: Signed forms for guests, especially minors; parent/guardian approval if required by school policy.
• Research pack: 3 reputable sources, one primary quote, one statistic with citation, and a link list for show notes.
• Script outline: Hook, intro, 5–7 minute segments, wrap, CTA, outro music cue.
• Tech checklist: Mic type, sample rate (44.1kHz or 48kHz), bit depth, backup recorder, charging cables, storage availability. For organising files and publishing pipelines, consider modular publishing patterns (modular publishing workflows).

Day-of-recording checklist

• Book a quiet room and post a “Recording in progress” sign.
• Test mic placement: 6–12 inches from the mouth; use pop filters where possible.
• Record a 30-second test tone to confirm levels — aim for peaks around -6 dBFS.
• Record a slate: episode title, date, take number, and who’s in the room (helps during editing).
• Use a clap or verbal marker to sync remote tracks if recording multiple devices.
• Keep water nearby and set a timer for segment pacing.

Post-production checklist

• Make a rough cut within 48 hours while the episode is fresh.
• Transcribe using an AI tool, then have the fact-checker correct errors. For classroom-friendly guidance on AI tools and teacher workflows, see AI-assisted microcourses playbook.
• Remove filler words and long pauses, but preserve conversational tone.
• Balance levels (voice leveling), remove background hum, and apply gentle compression and EQ.
• Export: MP3 128–192kbps for distribution; WAV 48kHz/24-bit for archive.
• Write show notes: short summary, timestamps, citations, links, and host credits.
• Embed closed captions for video versions; upload transcript to the episode page for accessibility — many class sites and JAMstack pages work well with lightweight page builders like Compose.page integrations.

Promotion checklist (use Ant & Dec’s cross-platform tactic)

Ant & Dec launched on a digital channel that included YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. For classroom pods, you can match that reach at lower cost with the following steps.

• First 48 hours: Publish the full episode, post a 60–90s highlight clip to TikTok and Instagram Reels, and an audiogram for X (Twitter). Add show notes and transcript to the class website or LMS. For vertical clip best practices consult the vertical video playbook.
• Day 3: Share a classroom newsletter blurb and encourage teachers to embed the episode in lesson slides.
• Week 1: Post three short clips (funny, surprising fact, strong opinion) and schedule them across the week.
• Measure & iterate: Track downloads, stream completion rate, clip views, and shares. Use the Promotion Lead to prepare a 1-page learning log on what worked. If you need inspiration for creative paid or organic post formats, see creative automation examples.

Technical best practices & specs (student-friendly)

• Recording format: WAV for raw files, MP3 for distribution.
• Sample rate: 44.1kHz (music/light studio) or 48kHz for video sync.
• Bitrate for MP3: 128–192kbps is fine for spoken word in classroom projects.
• Microphone tip: a dynamic mic (e.g., Shure SM58) is forgiving in untreated rooms; a USB condenser can work if you can't rent gear.
• Monitor with closed-back headphones. Never rely on laptop speakers during recording. See headset suggestions in the best wireless headsets review and adapt for studio monitoring.
• File naming: YYYYMMDD_Ep01_Raw_EditorInitials.wav — consistency saves hours.

Legal, ethical & academic integrity checklist

• Consent forms for every voice on the episode.
• Music: use royalty-free tracks or school-licensed music; document the license in show notes.
• Plagiarism: cite audio clips and sources; include full reference list in show notes.
• Guest privacy: avoid sharing personal data without written permission.

Using AI tools smartly (2026 guidance)

By 2026 AI-assisted tools can halve editing time but introduce new risks. Use them for transcription, rough cuts, and noise removal — then perform a human quality check. Tools to consider (examples in 2026) include Descript for iterative editing, Cleanvoice/Auphonic for noise cleanup, and AI-driven captioning built into major hosts. Always keep a human-in-the-loop for accuracy, especially for quotes and sensitive content. For classroom-specific AI workflows and policy guidance, consult the AI-assisted microcourses playbook.

Measurement: what to track and why

• Downloads/streams: Baseline for interest and reach.
• Completion rate: Shows how engaging the episode is.
• Clip views & shares: Signal of promotional success on social platforms.
• Listener feedback: Comments, direct messages, and classroom survey responses inform future topics.

Sample episode day schedule (compact and practical)

1. 09:00 — Setup and mic check (producer confirms room & signs).
2. 09:15 — Host warm-up and quick briefing (researcher shares 3 must-cover facts).
3. 09:25 — Recording: Intro, segment 1, 2, 3, outro (aim for 40–50 minutes total to edit down to 15–20 minutes).
4. 10:30 — Backup recording saved; raw files uploaded to shared drive.
5. 10:45 — Quick review: producer and editor mark timecodes for rough edit.

Common student mistakes — and how to avoid them

• Skipping pre-production: Fix with a mandatory episode brief and sign-off.
• No backups: Always record a second device or separate tracks. For small-team field setups and backup device advice, see compact vlogging field notes (studio field review).
• Weak promotion plan: Schedule posts before publishing and create assets in advance.
• Relying only on AI: Use AI to help, not to replace human judgment.

Classroom case study: How you’d apply Ant & Dec’s tactic

Scenario: Your school media class wants to launch a weekly show exploring student life. Use Ant & Dec’s audience-first approach: run a quick poll in lessons asking what topics students want to hear (study tips, school news, interviews). Use that input to create your first three episode briefs.

Repurpose: record an episode, then pull 2–3 short moments for TikTok and a long-form version for YouTube. Post a newsletter to parents and share the episode link in the school portal. Track which topic gets the highest engagement and plan a mini-series around it.

"We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out.'"

— Declan Donnelly, on audience-led briefs (Belta Box announcement, Jan 2026)

Actionable takeaways — start your show in one week

1. Day 1: Run a two-minute class poll to pick your first episode topic — assign roles and set the recording day.
2. Day 2–3: Finalise episode brief, get consent forms signed, and prepare 3 research points.
3. Day 4: Record with a simple script outline and backup device.
4. Day 5: Edit (use AI to speed transcription), write show notes, and prepare three promo clips.
5. Day 6: Publish and promote across two platforms (school website + TikTok). Day 7: Review analytics and feedback.

Free templates you can copy today

• Episode Brief: Title; Objective; 3 Key Points; Guest(s); Runtime Target; CTA.
• Recording Slate Script: "Episode Title — Date — Take X — Host(s) Name(s) — Producer Name."
• Release Checklist: Upload link; show notes; transcript; social posts scheduled; teacher announcement sent.

Final checklist — print this and pin to the wall

• Roles assigned & contact list ready.
• Episode brief approved.
• Consent forms signed.
• Tech checked & backup ready. Consider quick-buy power and backup device options from budget powerbank guides (best budget powerbanks).
• Rough edit done within 48 hours.
• Transcription and show notes added.
• Promo assets scheduled before publish.
• Analytics review scheduled 72 hours post-release.

Closing thoughts — why the production-first approach wins

Ant & Dec’s launch shows the value of audience-led content and multi-platform thinking. For student teams, the secret is not perfect gear or celebrity hosts — it’s a disciplined, production-minded process: clear roles, firm deadlines, and thoughtful promotion. With the checklists and timelines above, your classroom podcast will be manageable, repeatable, and more likely to reach the audience you want.

Ready to launch? Your next steps

Download the one-page production checklist, copy the role templates into your class brief, and run a five-minute audience poll today. If you want hands-on help, our tutors can guide your team through editing, distribution, or a mock launch rehearsal.

Call to action: Start your episode brief now — and sign up for a free 30-minute project planning session with our student media coach at essaypaperr.com/podcast-start (spots limited each term).

Related Reading

• AI-Assisted Microcourses in the Classroom: A 2026 Implementation Playbook for Teachers and Curriculum Leads
• AI Vertical Video Playbook: How to make short-form clips perform
• Future-Proofing Publishing Workflows: Modular Delivery & Templates-as-Code
• Studio Field Review: Compact Vlogging & Live-Funnel Setup for Subscription Creators
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• Moral Crossroads Curriculum: Using Pop Culture to Teach Ethics and Empathy
• What YouTubers Need to Know About the New Monetization Rules for Sensitive Topics
• How Vertical Video Platforms Use AI to Discover IP — and How You Can Make Your Clips Discoverable