Curiosity Inc., the company behind the Curiosity Stream subscription video service, is getting into the podcast business. The company, best known for documentary programming that spans film and TV, has partnered with iHeartMedia to launch the Curiosity Audio Network. The alliance will develop original podcasts as well as audio that complements Curiosity’s library of documentary films, shows and series.
“We couldn’t be more excited to make our move into audio in partnership the No. 1 podcast publisher in the world,” Curiosity Chief Strategy Officer Devin Emery said in a news release. “Audio is exploding as a go-to medium for connecting with audiences, and we believe Curiosity and iHeart’s shared passion for creating curiosity-catalyzing content is going to make for highly compelling storytelling.”
As part of the collaboration, all Curiosity Audio Network shows will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. That includes the “One Day University” podcast series, showcasing lectures delivered by beloved professors, with topics ranging from Eight Books that Changed the World to Abraham Lincoln: Fact vs. Fiction.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Curiosity Inc. to develop premium podcasts for an audience who loves to learn,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer for iHeartPodcast Network. “The Curiosity team has built such an incredible library of knowledge for curious minds and are adding to it all the time, and we can’t wait to bring it to our millions of listeners across the globe.”
Curiosity will premiere its first original podcast co-produced with iHeart later this year. It is described as a mash-up of pop culture, history and true crime that delves into the mystery surrounding the life and death of the “Cold War Cowboy” Dean Reed. Also in the works is the “Untold History of Sports in America,” which examines the role sports have played in shaping the American psyche.