iHeartMedia is making a move to expand its role in business podcasting, signing a deal with professional social network LinkedIn.
The companies said LinkedIn’s community includes 930 million members and that iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac. Podcasts on the LinkedIn Podcast Network will be distributed through iHeartPodcasts, on the iHeartRadio app in LinkedIn Newsletters and on other podcast platforms.
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They’ll collaborate to produce new shows for the LinkedIn Podcast Network, “offering new, compelling content to professionals looking for ideas, insights and inspiration … iHeartMedia will monetize these new podcasts, connecting brands to important conversations in the professional space.”
They’ll also license business and B2B podcasts, “offering a differentiated promotional playbook to help them grow and monetize their content.”
And they plan to provide resources for “niche and emerging” business podcasters.
The announcement was made by LinkedIn Head of Original Programming Courtney Coupe and CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group Conal Byrne.