Vox Media’s sports-focused SB Nation is scaling back its podcast roster. A dozen shows have been notified they will no longer be distributed by the SB Nation Podcast Network.
“As we focus on scaling SB Nation and strengthening engagement with our network of 200 communities, we need to be disciplined about where we see opportunity,” a Vos spokesperson said in a statement. “As a result, we made the difficult decision to end 12 team community audio podcasts, mostly covering individual teams, resulting in a small number of role eliminations at SB Nation and the end of our partnership with a number of contractors. Podcasting remains a core part of Vox Media’s business and SB Nation will continue to explore and invest in opportunities in the space.”
Brad Rowland, co-host of the Atlanta Braves-focused Battery Power podcast, said “the corporate overlords have indeed shut down the Battery Power/Talking Chop Podcast in a post on social media. He said podcasters will be paid for any download on SB Nation through the end of April.
“We’re both confused and absolutely heartbroken over SB Nation’s decision to cut their podcast program immediately,” the Pride of Detroit show also posted on social media. BSM first reported the podcast cuts at SB Nation Podcast Network, which has been home to more than 100 sports shows.
Vox Media cut four percent of its staff in December, following a seven percent downsizing earlier in the year.