Acast has announced it has become the first audio partner of the UK Chapter of the Unstereotype Alliance. Convened by UN Women, the Unstereotype Alliance seeks to eradicate harmful stereotypes in media and advertising content, and use the advertising industry as a force for good to drive positive change.

As the first audio partner appointed by the Unstereotype Alliance globally, Acast will offer a unique perspective on how stereotyping can be tackled in audio ads. The partnership, which will see Acast’s UK team commit alongside partners to increase the progressive and intersectional portrayals of women, girls and marginalised groups in UK advertising, is also the first step in what Acast hopes will become a wider, global opportunity to help drive positive change.

By becoming a partner, Acast has committed to proactively taking steps to not only eliminate stereotypes through its work, but to be progressive in its approach to ensuring gender equity within its own business and the wider podcasting industry.

Josh Woodhouse, UK Director of Sales at Acast, said: “I take my role as an ally seriously, and strongly believe negative stereotyping has no place in any sort of advertising. It’s important for the Unstereotype Alliance to have an audio partner because — just like the impact of what you see — the impact of what you hear in ads can have a long-term adverse impact.

“We’re showing our commitment to taking proactive steps to not only evaluate the way we work, but also ensure we’re bringing these important conversations to the many brands and media partners we work with every day.”

The Unstereotype alliance has 217 members across the globe and national chapters including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, the UAE and the UK. More information can be found at https://www.unstereotypealliance.org/en