The world of podcasts is getting a huge push in 2020, and now mega-media companies are getting in on the fun too.
This week, mass entertainment companies ViacomCBS and iHeartMedia announced a three-year joint deal that includes a slate of over a dozen original podcasts based under both brands, Variety reports.
According to a news release, the three-year pact calls on iHeartMedia — the biggest global commercial podcast publisher — to produce both new podcasts and shows associated with ViacomCBS’s portfolio of channels that span across different genres, including music, comedy, pop culture, and history.
“We are excited to partner with iHeartMedia, the leading global commercial podcast publisher to expand our hit shows and IP into hit franchises,” said Keyes Hill-Edgar, chief operating officer of ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group, in a statement. “iHeart’s wide distribution and availability across a number of leading platforms align well with our global reach and audiences.”
The initial lineup of shows for the media publisher includes an expanded line of audio content for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” a seminal hip-hop music and interview series for the iconic “Yo! MTV Raps” show, and others, according to Variety.
The network and reach behind both of these media giants places them in a unique position to launch podcasting into a new realm for hosts and creators.
“These are some of the most iconic brands in the world,” said Conal Byrne, President of iHeartPodcast Network, in a statement. “First and foremost – as fans of these brands – we wanted to see them have a really strong presence in podcasting.”
She added: “So our plan is simple: We will swing all of our resources behind these incredible brands – with support from our production teams, our huge distribution and marketing muscle, and the biggest and best audio sales team in the country – to make sure they get the audience they deserve in this incredible new medium.”
All audio series from this new deal will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network, according to a press release. They will also be available on iHeartRadio and other popular platforms where podcasts live.
