The return of the search for “The Next Great Podcast” is officially underway. Syndicated radio personality and Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee Dan Patrick, who launched his own podcast network last year, is again teaming up with iHeartMedia to conduct a global search to showcase ten up-and-coming creators. Fans will vote for one to become The Next Great Podcast to join the iHeartPodcast Network.
The competition debuted last year and attracted nearly 1,800 submissions from creators of all ages from Albania to Zimbabwe. Beginning today (Aug. 24) through Sept. 17, creators around the world can once again pitch for the chance to produce a new podcast series in any genre.
“Our first year of The Next Greatest Podcast exceeded my wildest expectations,” said Patrick. “What I most love from our contest is the incredible diversity of voices and range of stories that our amazing fans submitted from across the planet. I know that our second year is going to be just as incredible as the first,” he said in the announcement. Patrick partnered with iHeart to create his podcast network last August as part of his new long-term contract with Premiere Networks.
Producers will be asked to submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video. Pitches will be narrowed down by a panel of podcasters, led by Patrick. Each of the 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 to further develop their idea into a 10-minute pilot. These pilots will be shared on The Next Great Podcast feed in the fall for fans to listen and vote on. One will be crowned “The Next Great Podcast” and will be featured on iHeartRadio stations across the country. The winner will also work closely with Patrick and iHeart podcast producers to develop their show into an original series for distribution by The iHeartPodcast Network.
Tongal, a content creation platform, has once again signed on as the sponsor of “The Next Great Podcast” search. Co-Founder and CEO James DeJulio said there is “skyrocketing demand” for original content and competitions like this will help discover what’s next. “Partnering with iHeartRadio to discover and develop another breakthrough podcast will connect our diverse community of creators with access to a career-defining opportunity,” said DeJulio in a statement.
The winner of the 2020 competition was Tossed Popcorn, a show created by Lianna Holston and Siena Jeakle. It is described as a new movie review podcast from a pair of friends who have neither seen nor enjoyed that many films, particularly the classics.
“Podcasting as a creative medium and launch pad for new talent continues to thrive,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of The iHeartPodcast Network. “After the impressive results from last year that brought us Tossed Popcorn’s fresh approach on movie reviews, we are excited to collaborate for a second year with Tongal to reach their impressive community of creatives as we search for 2021’s next great podcast.”
Creators can learn more about the competition and apply HERE.