Jenna Weiss-Berman, the cofounder of Audacy-owned Pineapple Street Studios, is taking on an expanded role managing the company’s podcast network and studios. That will include management of sister studio Cadence13 as cofounder Chris Corcoran exits to pursue other opportunities. Audacy says the changes are part of its move to “streamline” its podcast business. In her new role, Weiss-Berman will oversee strategy and development of new podcast content and distribution partnerships at the studios, which also includes the sports-focused studio 2400Sports.
“As we commit to accelerating our digital growth and enhancing performance, we’re thrilled to expand Jenna’s role to further unify and streamline our content and business efforts across our leading podcast portfolio, enabling even more rapid development of new and original IP and better leveraging our talent across the entire Audacy portfolio,” said Chief Digital Officer J.D. Crowley. “Jenna’s strong leadership and deep industry relationships will propel us forward on our mission to be a leading partner of audio creators, while super-serving listeners of all backgrounds and interests and enabling our sales teams to better serve our customers and partners with unique and compelling podcast opportunities.”
Weiss-Berman has been with Audacy since 2019 when the radio company bought Pineapple Street Studios. Prior to starting Pineapple Street, Weiss-Berman was Head of Audio at BuzzFeed and worked in public radio for almost a decade.
“I'm excited to help bring together the world class podcast businesses that already exist under the Audacy umbrella,” said Weiss-Berman in the announcement. “We have a real opportunity to build a cohesive podcast brand that is greater than the sum of its parts, and I look forward to all that's ahead,” she said.
Pineapple Street Studios co-founder Max Linsky will continue to co-lead the studio alongside Bari Finkel, Pineapple’s Head of Operations and the studio’s first employee.
When Audacy bought Pineapple Street for $18 million three years ago, it also made Cadence13 a wholly-owned studio. It has been overseen by Chief Content Officer Chris Corcoran, a veteran of network radio. His departure comes amid earlier reports that Audacy had been exploring a sale of the division. The company has not confirmed that speculation, however.
“His leadership, passion and dedication are the creative force that successfully launched and built Cadence13 into the business that it is today, while also helping to position Audacy as a leading podcast company,” Crowley said of Corcoran, adding. “I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”
Audacy CEO David Field said they have seen a slowdown in the growth of its podcast business in recent months, and in response, the company is going to be more focused on managing its costs. Yet Audacy still has a number of development deals in place across its portfolio. Pineapple Street Studios recently announced a multi-show deal with Dan Taberski, host of prior Pineapple productions Missing Richard Simmons. The studio also inked a deal to produce the next series by Shima Oliaee, creator of the acclaimed "Pink Card '' series for ESPN and co-creator of Dolly Parton’s America.
Cadence13 recently announced a 30-episode podcast partnership with actress Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions while 2400Sports is partnering with former MLB second baseman Bret Boone on a new twice-weekly show, The Bret Boone Podcast. 2400Sports has also launched a new podcast in partnership with Special Olympics.