Audacy, a leading audio content and entertainment company, has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with CBS, building on a multiyear sales and distribution agreement that now includes over three dozen new podcasts. Since 2022, Audacy has served as the ad sales and distribution partner for CBS Sports podcasts, and this new deal broadens the collaboration to encompass podcast slates from CBS Entertainment, CBS News, CBS Media Ventures, and CBS Studios. The addition of these 39 podcasts further enriches Audacy’s offerings, making them available on the Audacy app as well as other major audio platforms as of Thursday. This move underscores Audacy’s commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse content to its audience while strengthening its position in the competitive podcasting landscape.
The CBS News & Entertainment podcast portfolio is a treasure trove of engaging content, spanning a wide range of genres such as news, true crime, reality, and late-night entertainment. Among the standout titles are companion shows for some of CBS’s most iconic franchises, including 48 Hours and its spinoffs, which delve into real-life mysteries and crimes with the same meticulous journalism that has made the TV show a staple. On Fire with Jeff Probst, the official Survivor podcast, offers fans behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive interviews, giving listeners a deeper connection to the hit reality series. Additionally, The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert brings the witty humor and sharp commentary of Colbert’s late-night program to the podcast world. Other highlights include 60 Minutes, Avatar: Braving the Elements, CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings On The Go, CBS News Sunday Morning, Entertainment Tonight, Face the Nation With Margaret Brennan, Inside Edition, MoneyWatch With Jill Schlesinger, and The Drew Barrymore Show. Together, these podcasts cater to a wide array of interests, ensuring there’s something for every listener.
J.D. Crowley, Audacy’s chief digital officer and president of podcast and streaming, expressed excitement about the expanded partnership, stating, “CBS Sports is a thriving part of our business, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership with CBS’ storied news and entertainment slate. This stellar lineup of talent and podcasts offers a compelling slate of premium content and new scaled opportunities for our advertising partners.” Crowley’s remarks highlight the strategic importance of this partnership, not only for Audacy’s listeners but also for its advertisers, who now have access to a broader and more diverse audience.
Audacy’s reach extends far beyond its podcast offerings. The company operates more than 230 broadcast radio stations across 47 U.S. markets, making it a major player in the audio entertainment industry. Additionally, Audacy is home to Pineapple Street Studios, a renowned podcast studio known for producing high-quality narrative podcasts, and Podcorn, a podcast hosting and advertising platform. Despite its expansive operations, Audacy has faced challenges in recent years, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2023 to address its debt obligations. The company is currently navigating a transition in leadership, as former CEO David Field stepped down in January, and a search for his successor is ongoing.
The addition of CBS’s podcast slate to Audacy’s platform is a strategic move that aligns with the company’s efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive world of audio entertainment. By leveraging CBS’s rich catalog of content, Audacy is able to offer its listeners a more robust and varied selection of podcasts, featuring some of the most recognizable and respected brands in media. At the same time, this partnership open
