Generating key takeaways...
News UK has launched Octave AI, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to automate the creation and optimisation of audio advertising across radio and podcasts. Developed within its Octave audio business in partnership with AI firm AudioStack, the system aims to produce broadcast-ready, personalised campaigns in minutes.
The launch matters because it marks a shift in how advertisers can generate and adapt creative content. Octave AI blends automation with data-driven targeting, lowering production barriers and opening audio advertising to smaller businesses as well as major brands.
Using AI-generated voices, music and sound effects, Octave AI creates professional-grade ads that can be dynamically targeted across Octave’s in-stream and podcast network, which reaches more than 8.5 million monthly listeners through News UK’s portfolio and premium partners.
A key feature is Dynamic Creative Optimisation, which allows a single campaign to generate countless tailored versions based on audience segments, context or real-time data. A supermarket chain, for example, could alter its message depending on the weather, while a football sponsor might target rival fans with different audio spots.
The platform’s early adopters include Marks & Spencer and WPP Media. Working through Mindshare, M&S used Octave AI to promote its new Cabot Circus store in Bristol with hyper-local audio that changed before and after the launch.
“Octave AI lowers traditional barriers to audio advertising, making it accessible not just for large brands but also SMEs,” said Russell Pedrick, Managing Director at Octave. He said the system can generate limitless ad variations powered by first-party data, giving advertisers new creative flexibility.
AudioStack, Octave’s technology partner, specialises in AI-driven audio production tools covering script generation, text-to-speech, generative music and dynamic versioning. Its platform is already used by brands such as McDonald’s, Porsche and Mountain Dew. Zoe Poulson, AudioStack’s Director of Business Development, said Octave AI integrates “some of the UK’s most loved audio brands” and streamlines ad production by enabling real-time optimisation.
AudioStack has also partnered with data analytics company Claritas to fuse audience insights with automated ad creation. Silke Zetzsche, AudioStack’s Global Commercial Director, described the approach as “putting Dynamic Creative Optimisation on its head” by continuously generating and refining creative assets during campaigns.
Octave AI will operate alongside Octave’s human-led creative unit, Engine, reflecting News UK’s strategy to balance automation with editorial and creative oversight.
The launch comes as Octave IP – a joint venture between News UK and Bauer Media – expands its UK podcast presence with exclusive advertising rights for SiriusXM shows including Pod Save the UK and Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being 23 October 2025. No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies or recycled content were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Russell Pedrick, Zoe Poulson, and Ben Chadd appear to be original, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from News UK’s official website, a reputable organisation, enhancing its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Octave AI’s capabilities align with industry trends in AI-driven audio advertising. The involvement of established partners like Marks & Spencer and WPP Media adds credibility. No inconsistencies or suspicious elements were found.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and supported by credible partners, with no signs of disinformation or recycled content.
