Beasley Media Group has launched an all-podcast format on stations in four of its markets under the “Podcast Radio U.S.” banner. The format, from UK-based Podcast Radio Network, launched Friday in four markets in a partnership with KMG Networks.
“Podcast Radio Detroit” is airing on the city-licensed translator W228CJ at 93.5, fed by WCSX-HD2, the former home of sports “The Roar;” “Podcast Radio Tampa Bay” is heard on WJBR (1010, formerly “ Money Talk 1010”); “Podcast Radio Carolinas” airs on the city-licensed translator W234BY at 94.7, fed by WSOC-HD3, formerly “Fox Sports Charlotte;” and “Podcast Radio Southwest Florida” broadcasts on the Bonita Springs-licensed translator W268AH at 101.5, the Suncoast Estates-licensed translator W243BM at 96.5, and the Naples-licensed translator W286AK at 105.1, fed by WXKB-HD2.
What Beasley calls the first four custom stations are also streaming on the PodcastRadioUS.com website.
Podcast Radio features live “podjocks,” including former KROQ-FM Los Angeles morning show co-host and Radio Hall of Famer Gene “Bean” Baxter.
Beasley says the format will showcase the very best podcasts from the U.S. and around the world, including audio content from TedAudio (TedTalk), Wondery, Evergreen, Corus, and other publishers. The initiative with Beasley is the first of its kind for the company in the U.S.
The format will be offered to radio stations and groups on a network/barter basis via KMG Networks. AdLarge Media will handle network ad sales.
“Podcast Radio is an idea that [CEO] Caroline Beasley and our team have been thinking about and researching for years and we’re excited to be the first to launch this format in the United States,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “This concept has been highly successful for Gerry [Edwards, Founder & CEO of Podcast Radio] and his team in the United Kingdom, and we believe our audience will fall in love with the Podcast Radio U.S. version we present on our stations.”
Podcast Radio announced in October 2022 that it planned to bring its format to the U.S., saying that half of its online listeners are on this side of the Atlantic. The 24-hour format currently airs on digital channels in the U.K. As it now begins syndicating its programming in the U.S., it is eyeing HD Radio side channels as outlets, in addition to radio stations’ main programming.
Edwards said Beasley's station brands “will make fantastic first movers into the Podcast Radio format as they embrace this unique new radio content as a leader in both broadcast and digital."
As of Friday, all four stations were featuring segments from an on-site menu of comedy, true crime, entertainment and pop culture, history, interviews, music, and sports podcasts. Among those are Agent Scott and Cam the Provocateur's “SpyHards – A Spy Movie Podcast,” Ken Levine's “Hollywood and Levine,” Tim Caple's “Talking Sports Books,” and “Alan Alda's Clear+Vivid.”
"KMG and Podcast Radio is excited to partner with Beasley Media Group to be the first to bring this proven and innovative idea to the U.S,” said Gary Krantz, Founder & CEO of KMG/KMG Networks. “When we evaluated the business opportunity in America, it was their forward-looking team that shared our vision immediately and stepped up to work collaboratively to execute this across key regions within the Beasley Media Group platform.”
Cathy Csukas, AdLarge CEO, said the collaboration “underscores AdLarge’s commitment to delivering exceptional advertising solutions to our clients. We are poised to unlock new opportunities for advertisers, enabling them to reach their target audiences through premium content.”