As 2024 comes to a close, podcasting continues to break barriers and captivate audiences. This week’s highlights showcase the industry’s relentless momentum: Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast debuted at No. 1, dethroning Joe Rogan; Hot Ones changed hands in an $82.5M deal, charting new directions for content ownership; and iHeartMedia teamed up with the NHL to deliver fresh, dynamic audio experiences.

Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith’s groundbreaking $120M deal is redefining what it means to be a media powerhouse, and Modern Wisdom is soaring to new heights with its in-flight debut on British Airways and Aer Lingus.

The creativity, innovation, and bold moves driving the industry wouldn’t be possible without you—the creators, partners, and listeners who make podcasting what it is today. Let’s dive into this week’s stories.

—Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

‘Hot Ones’ Studio Sells for $82.5M as Soros Fund Eyes Audio Expansion

BuzzFeed has sold First We Feast, home to the viral YouTube series Hot Ones, for $82.5M in cash. This landmark deal, led by Soros Fund Management alongside Sean Evans, Crooked Media, and Mythical Entertainment, positions the studio to explore new creative opportunities, including live events and cross-platform media strategies.

What You Need to Know:

• Big Money Meets Big Ideas: Soros Fund Management continues its push into the media space, with investments increasingly focused on audio and podcast-related opportunities. This move builds on their track record of acquiring innovative content studios.

• New Leadership: First We Feast founder Chris Schonberger will step in as CEO, while Sean Evans, the show’s host, will now serve as Chief Creative Officer.

• Expanding the Brand:

  • Hot Ones plans to grow beyond YouTube’s 14M subscribers and 4B views by developing live events and new audio experiences.

  • Previous discussions with Netflix to produce exclusive live content signal potential for dynamic partnerships.

• Podcast Implications:

  • Crooked Media’s involvement hints at potential podcasting tie-ins, leveraging their expertise in political and cultural audio storytelling.

  • Mythical Entertainment’s success in digital-first media could create synergies between video and podcast content, catering to Hot Ones’ loyal fanbase.

• Cultural Dominance: Hot Ones has redefined the celebrity interview format with a fiery twist, featuring names like Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, and Ryan Reynolds. Its blend of humor, in-depth questions, and shareable moments is primed for audio expansion.

Why It Matters:

This sale reflects the growing convergence of video-first platforms and podcasting. As Soros Fund deepens its investments in audio, deals like this hint at a future where storytelling seamlessly bridges video and podcast formats, drawing creators, brands, and audiences closer together.

Kylie Kelce’s Podcast Debut Rockets to No. 1, Boosting Wave Sports + Entertainment’s Media Empire

Kylie Kelce’s new podcast, Not Gonna Lie, launched on Dec. 5 and soared to the top of Spotify and Apple Podcasts, dethroning The Joe Rogan Experience. Produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment (WSE), this debut highlights the company’s growing dominance in the podcasting and sports media landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Chart-Topping Success: Not Gonna Lie took the No. 1 spot immediately after launch, reflecting widespread audience demand for fresh perspectives and personal storytelling.

• A Kelce Family Affair:

  • WSE also produces New Heights, the top-rated podcast hosted by Kylie’s husband, Jason Kelce, and his brother, Travis Kelce.

  • New Heights secured a groundbreaking $100M deal with Wondery earlier this year, making it a cornerstone of WSE’s portfolio.

• Authenticity Drives Engagement:

  • Kylie’s debut episode touched on family life, parenting, and navigating the spotlight, resonating with listeners craving relatable, unfiltered narratives.

  • Her success follows the Kelce family’s broader influence in blending sports insights with personal storytelling.

• WSE’s Media Impact:

  • Known for reaching over 110M followers across digital platforms, WSE continues to leverage its expertise in creating cross-platform sports content for a Gen-Z audience.

  • The company’s strategic focus on combining sports personalities with podcasting has cemented its reputation as a leader in innovative audio content.

Why It Matters:

The Kelce family’s podcasting dominance, spearheaded by WSE, signals a shift in how sports personalities are shaping modern media. With Not Gonna Lie joining New Heights at the top, WSE is redefining the boundaries of sports-driven storytelling in podcasting.

NHL Partners with iHeartMedia to Expand Podcast Portfolio with 'NHL Unscripted'

The NHL has teamed up with iHeartMedia, the world’s top podcast publisher, to co-produce and distribute two new podcasts in 2024. The partnership kicks off today with the launch of NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers, a weekly show featuring hockey insights and lively discussions from Prime Monday Night Hockey co-host Adnan Virk and former NHL player Jason Demers.

Key Highlights:

• New Podcast Launch:

  • NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers debuts today, with weekly episodes airing every Thursday.

  • The show mixes NHL news with offbeat topics like movies, comedy, and food, offering fans a fresh take on hockey content.

  • The debut episode features special guest The Kid Mero, an acclaimed comedian and entertainment powerhouse.

• Expanding NHL Audio Presence:

  • The NHL’s growing podcast portfolio already includes NHL Fantasy On Ice and NHL @TheRink, along with episodic series like NHL Draft Class and NHL Backstory.

  • A second podcast under the iHeartMedia partnership is slated for release in early 2024.

• Why iHeartMedia?:

  • iHeart’s global reach and robust distribution channels will amplify the NHL’s audio offerings.

  • iHeartPodcasts, recognized as the top podcast network by Podtrac, delivers unmatched access to sports fans via streaming, podcasts, and broadcast radio.

• Commitment to Fan Engagement:

  • NHL VP Matt Nicholson emphasized the partnership's focus on providing unique insights and fun, engaging content that connects fans to the game like never before.

  • iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson reaffirmed their commitment to sports, showcasing top-tier talent and exclusive insider access across platforms.

Why It Matters:

The NHL’s collaboration with iHeartMedia demonstrates the league’s investment in podcasting as a key medium for fan engagement. With a blend of expert commentary, diverse topics, and star-studded guests, NHL Unscripted is set to expand the reach and appeal of hockey storytelling in the audio space.

Stephen A. Smith’s $120M ESPN Deal Expands His Reach Beyond Sports

Stephen A. Smith is reportedly close to finalizing a six-year, $120 million contract with ESPN that promises to redefine his role at the network. The deal, partially funded by Disney, will grant Smith unprecedented freedom to explore non-sports projects while maintaining his position as a key face of ESPN’s sports coverage.

Key Highlights:

• Game-Changing Contract:

  • The deal, worth $120M over six years, marks a significant pay spike for Smith, further solidifying his status as one of ESPN’s top talents.

  • Disney’s financial backing opens opportunities for Smith to pitch non-sports content ideas, broadening his reach into cultural and entertainment projects.

• Non-Exclusive Terms:

  • The contract allows Smith to pursue projects outside of ESPN’s sports ecosystem, paving the way for ventures into politics, culture, and potentially satellite radio.

  • Rumors suggest SiriusXM has shown interest in Smith hosting a show similar to The Stephen A. Smith Show, currently available on YouTube.

• Betting on Smith:

  • ESPN Bet, the network’s betting division, will also feature exclusive content from Smith as part of the deal.

• Core ESPN Roles:

  • Smith will remain the anchor of First Take and continue his contributions to ESPN’s NBA and NFL coverage, ensuring his presence across the network’s flagship programs.

Why It Matters:

This deal reflects a broader trend in sports media where top personalities are given creative autonomy to expand beyond their primary beats. For podcasting and audio platforms, Smith’s growing non-sports ventures signal a new frontier for cross-platform content, blending sports expertise with cultural commentary. With ESPN backing his broader ambitions, Smith’s influence is poised to grow across mediums, reaching new and diverse audiences.

Modern Wisdom Podcast Takes Flight with British Airways & Aer Lingus

The Modern Wisdom podcast, hosted by Chris Williamson, has landed a major milestone: its own dedicated channel on all British Airways and Aer Lingus flights. This move positions the podcast as a global leader in delivering thought-provoking conversations to a wider audience, reaching millions of travelers annually.

Key Highlights:

• In-Flight Exclusive:

  • Modern Wisdom will feature curated episodes on a dedicated in-flight channel, introducing the podcast to new international audiences.

  • This partnership highlights a growing trend of airlines tapping into podcasting to elevate passenger entertainment options.

• Reaching a Global Audience:

  • British Airways and Aer Lingus collectively serve over 50 million passengers a year, offering a massive opportunity for the podcast to extend its reach beyond digital platforms.

• A Strategic Move for Podcasting:

  • The integration of Modern Wisdom into in-flight entertainment underscores the evolving role of podcasts as premium content in travel media.

  • It reflects a growing demand for long-form, intellectually engaging audio content in non-traditional listening spaces.

• Cultural Impact:

  • With a reputation for exploring philosophy, self-development, and societal trends, Modern Wisdom’s inclusion in this lineup caters to a diverse audience of curious and thoughtful travelers.

Why It Matters:

This partnership is a win for podcasting, showcasing its adaptability to new formats and settings. By integrating podcasts into travel, platforms like Modern Wisdom are shaping the future of audio consumption, bridging leisure and learning in innovative ways.

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Partner Spotlight

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Acast, the world’s largest podcast company. Acast connects nearly 125,000 podcasts with audiences globally, offering a diverse catalog of high-quality content.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been creating the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, building the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans nearly 125,000 podcasts, 2,700 advertisers, and approximately 400 million monthly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized wherever they happen - across any podcasting app or other listening platform.

The company operates worldwide and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Acast is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ACAST.ST).

For podcasters looking to grow and monetize their shows, we highly recommend checking out Acast. Their innovative technology and extensive reach make them an invaluable partner in the podcasting world. Learn more.

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