Premiere Networks signed a new and expanded long-term contract with “The Dan Patrick Show” in March with the syndicator serving as the exclusive, global audio distribution partner for the sports talk program. Patrick is turning to a sister iHeartMedia division for the launch of his own podcast effort. The Dan Patrick Podcast Network is teaming up with the iHeartPodcast Network to develop and launch a slate of sports and entertainment podcasts that will be co-produced by Patrick, iHeart and Workhouse Media.
“Who doesn’t love a great story,” Patrick said in the announcement. “I love that I can introduce great storytellers through my partnership with iHeartRadio.”
Under their agreement, iHeartMedia and Patrick will each commit marketing resources to promote the podcasts across the iHeartPodcast Network and other iHeart broadcast and digital platforms, as well as on Patrick’s syndicated radio show, which is carried on more than 360 affiliates across the U.S. as well as on SiriusXM, with a video simulcast on NBC’s streaming TV network Peacock beginning this month.
The first three podcasts that will launch under the partnership include The Battle for L.A, which is co-produced with Joy Road Entertainment. The series tells the story of the birth of professional basketball in Los Angeles and how the city’s two disparate franchises helped shape not just the NBA but shifted the influence of sports and culture to the West Coast. The podcast is currently being developed for television and film by Sugar23.
“We pride ourselves on telling impactful stories and couldn’t think of better partners to bring those stories to life than Dan and the incredible team at iHeartRadio,” Sugar23 founder and principal Michael Sugar said in a statement. “We’re excited to be in business with these amazing creators, who will continue to bolster our ability to be storytellers in any medium.”
The Dan Patrick Podcast Network is also behind Two Guys From Hollywood, a weekly podcast featuring literary agent Alan Nevins and celebrity chef and columnist Joey Santos, friends for more than 30 years who grew up in Hollywood and now leverage their connections for a show about pop culture, books, movies, drinking, food and the occasional guest appearance from their famous friends.
The network is also backing Meeting Tom Cruise, a podcast hosted by actors and die-hard Cruise fans Jeff Meacham and Joel Johnston. The weekly podcast features celebrity guests telling their own incredible stories about meeting the legendary star. Meacham and Johnston also debate Cruise’s films, respond to listener questions, and report on what they call Cruise News.
Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network, welcomed Patrick’s network into the fold, saying they are dedicated to offering a wide variety of programming that engages audiences across all genres. “This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to introducing this new slate of podcasts with many more to come,” said Byrne.
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