At PARIX Audio Day 2026 in Madrid on 19 February 2026, four European audio professionals compare developments in Portugal, France and Italy. Their conversation explores how local listening cultures, publishing structures and levels of market maturity shape the production and commercial performance of audiobooks, podcasts and audio-first formats.
Paolo Girella explains how the Italian market is moving beyond conventional single-voice audiobooks towards audio series, dramas and narrative podcasts. Emons has experimented with original scripts, literary adaptations and hybrid products connecting printed books with audio. Recognisable actors and culturally authentic voices remain especially important to Italian audiences.
From the French perspective, Robin Batet describes the synergies between print and audio catalogues and the genres that convert most effectively, including self-help, business and major bestsellers. Antoni Fournier discusses artistic production and the importance of designing audio experiences appropriate to their intended audiences, particularly in publishing environments with strong children’s and educational catalogues.
The panel concludes that Europe cannot be treated as a single audio market. Local language, narration, pricing, distribution and editorial curation remain decisive. Publishers can nevertheless share production expertise, test hybrid formats and use audio to extend intellectual property while preserving the cultural characteristics that make each market distinctive.
Original title: Escuchando a Europa: tendencias de audio y oportunidades para los editores
