In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the independent network will represent podcasts produced by the SRA and its member stations.
July 18, 2025 – LONDON, UK – The Student Radio Association (SRA) has partnered with Mercury, in a groundbreaking deal which will see the new indie network distribute all podcast content from the SRA and its member stations.
The SRA is the voluntary body supporting student radio, representing 65 stations across the UK, and a long history of bringing through the next generation of radio stars. This new collaboration marks a clear move into podcasting.
The Mercury network will provide free hosting and distribution of all podcasts made by the SRA and any of its member stations. This is a non-exclusive deal, and the SRA will maintain full control over all content on its network.
By removing the financial barriers and providing a space where students can develop, launch, and distribute their own content, Mercury’s founder Liam Heffernan believes this “will empower the next generation of great podcasters.”
As well as hosting and distribution, Mercury will support students with additional training and expertise, and use its growing resource to promote and monetise SRA shows. The expectation is not only to provide cost savings, but also to generate revenue for the student radio network.
For graduates who launched their shows on the SRA network, it is Mercury’s intention to provide ongoing support beyond University, as it continues to expand its offering for the global independent podcast community.
“This partnership with Mercury marks a huge moment for student radio. Podcasting is an exciting and rapidly growing space, and this collaboration gives our members the tools, support, and platform they need to thrive in it.”
“By removing key barriers to entry, Mercury is helping us unlock even more opportunities for creativity, experimentation, and career development across our network. We’re excited to see where this takes our stations – and the future voices of the audio industry.”
Summer Wilde, SRA Chair
“Student radio is the primary gateway into the audio industry, and podcasts are now a huge part of the audio landscape. But student radio stations are run by students and volunteers with very little resource, and what they achieve under those circumstances is nothing short of spectacular.”
“But podcasting still remains a side hustle for many stations, due to the limitations involved. By giving student radio this platform, we remove the financial barriers, not only making it easier for stations to launch their podcasts, but to do it with full creative autonomy. I am certain this partnership will empower the next generation of great podcasters, and I’m delighted to be supporting that.”
Liam Heffernan, Mercury Podcasts
About Mercury:
Mercury is a UK based independent podcast network, launched officially in February 2025 by producer Liam Heffernan. The network to date boasts over three million downloads and over four million ad impressions, making it one of the largest new independent networks in the world. It launched to wide acclaim from the industry for its vision to support the independent sector in new and innovative ways.
Today, it boasts 15 podcasts on its roster spanning entertainment, history, comedy, psychology, kids & family, fiction, lifestyle, and true crime. In May, just three months after launching, it celebrated four nominations at the inaugural Golden Lobes awards.
Mercury has no investment firm or large financial backers. Staying true to its independent spirit, it was founded and financed entirely by founder Liam and his family.
Liam Heffernan is an award-winning podcast producer with nearly 20 years of experience in audio, beginning with hospital radio from 2006, BBC Radio York from 2008 – 2009, and student radio station Livewire 1350 in 2011. He has continued to support the voluntary sector, serving as an Executive for the Hospital Broadcasting Association from 2020 – 2023. Since 2021 he has been a professional podcast producer, working for the likes of Auddy and on shows including United Daily, How Not to Screw Up Your Kids, and Fintech Insider. He has also created a number of shows independently, including America: A History.
About the Student Radio Association:
The Student Radio Association is the volunteer-run representative body which supports and acts on behalf of the UK student radio community. The SRA represents any radio station that is based at, or linked to, a place of education, or that has students participating.
Our two flagship events are the annual Student Radio Awards, supported by BBC Sounds and Global, and the National Student Radio Conference, which bring together hundreds of students from our member stations to celebrate, learn, develop, and network. We also hold training events and masterclasses throughout the year, with many in partnership with industry representatives, and spend time developing other opportunities for our stations to get involved in.
MEDIA & PRESS CONTACTS
Mercury
Email: liam@mercurypodcasts.com
Website: mercurypodcasts.com
Student Radio Association
Email: chair@studentradio.org.uk
Website: https://www.studentradio.org.uk/