Guardian Unlimited will be the first media outlet other than traditional radio stations to join industry body the Radio Academy and also the UK Podcasters' Association, the company announced Thursday.

The Guardian's audio department produces a range of programmes, including Football Weekly, the football podcasts in the UK, the daily news show Newsdesk, Media Talk and other specialist weekly shows.

"It makes sense to have a seat at the top table at the leading radio industry organisation, and also to be a major player in the only body that represents podcast producers in the UK,” said the Guardian head of audio, Matt Wells. "We are now a significant force in quality speech programming, with hundreds of thousands of downloads a week. For the first time, the BBC has a serious rival in this area."

The Radio Academy was formed in 1983, aimed to support the growth in independent radio.

According to the academy's director Trevor Dann, "We're thrilled to welcome the Guardian as patron members of the Radio Academy alongside their colleagues at GMG's radio stations. Their presence demonstrates how interest in making, as well as listening to, radio has never been higher."

Dean Whitbread, the chair of the UK Podcasters Association, added: "UKPA is pleased that Guardian Unlimited has joined our organisation, the first major publisher to do so. We now represent a truly diverse grouping of professional individuals, companies and media corporations, as well as passionate, unpaid enthusiasts, and our strength is our ability to speak up for all those involved in online media," the Guardian reported.