ABC News is looking to grab a bigger share of podcast listening with plans on the drawing board to bring more of its shows to on-demand audio. The 2022 push begins with the availability of its top-rated “Good Morning America” as a podcast. ABC will make the first and second hours of the show available as a podcast to capture on-the-go commuters or people who would rather listen than watch.
ABC is playing catch up to its morning TV rivals. NBC’s Today launched its podcast last June. And CBS Mornings has had a podcast since 2019, although its content is typically extended versions of interviews that air on the television show.
ABC Audio Director and Executive Producer Liz Alesse told the Hollywood Reporter they have “big podcast plans” for 2022. “We are also continuing to expand our originals library with some exciting projects in the pipeline this year,” she said. “On top of building out our lifestyle and culture content, we’re working on several long-form narrative projects. You can expect to see new true crime titles coming soon, and we’re gearing up for some exciting collaborations across ABC.”
ABC will soon launch a new entertainment podcast called Close Up. It is hosted by journalist Kelley Carter. The series will offer a mix of celebrity interviews along with Carter dissecting the latest entertainment news with fellow industry experts. Close Up will debut on Wednesday, Feb. 9, the day after the 2022 Oscar nominations, with new episodes posting each Wednesday.
The second season of the ABC News podcast Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson has also begun to roll out. In season two, ABC News contributor Granderson explores timely topics that impact the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from queer friendships, body positivity, non-monogamy, religion, parenting and on-screen representation. Granderson speaks with celebrity guests who help the community celebrate and cope and with experts who break down the latest research and information regarding these issues.
ABC says the “GMA” channel will house the new projects, as well as all of ABC News’ lifestyle, culture and entertainment on-demand audio content, including its popular In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson podcast. All of ABC Audio’s podcasts are also available across major podcast platforms.
Podtrac reports that in December, The Walt Disney Company – whose totals include the podcasts released by both ABC News and ESPN – was the sixth-biggest publisher it measures with a unique U.S. audience of 7.7 million and streams and downloads last month totaling 49 million.