PodcastOne Renews A+E Global Media Deal for 5 Popular Podcasts

PodcastOne and A+E Global Media have extended their partnership, ensuring continued exclusive sales and distribution for a slate of popular podcasts including “Cold Case Files,” “I Survived,” “American Justice,” “City Confidential,” and the ever-popular “Ancient Aliens.” The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2017, and signals continued growth in the podcasting space for both companies.

From True Crime to Extraterrestrials: A+E’s Podcast Portfolio

Since initially partnering with A+E Global Media, PodcastOne has cultivated a roster of five shows that have collectively amassed over 1,100 episodes and exceeded 200 million downloads. This latest agreement underscores the increasing importance of podcasting as a complementary platform for established television brands. Kit Gray, president and co-founder of PodcastOne, emphasized the network’s “white glove boutique agency philosophy” in a statement, highlighting a collaborative approach to audience development. “We couldn’t be prouder of the impact our relationship with A+E has had on translating their programming to podcast form, and we look forward to collaborating for years to come,” Gray said.

The podcasts themselves cover a broad spectrum of genres, appealing to diverse listener interests. “Cold Case Files,” based on the Emmy-nominated A&E series, delves into unsolved murders, examining the challenges faced by investigators and the breakthroughs in forensic technology that occasionally bring closure to decades-old cases. Approximately one-third of murders in the United States remain open, making the podcast’s focus on the “rare 1% of cold cases that are ever solved” particularly compelling. Paula Barros hosts the series.

“I Survived” offers a different kind of intensity, documenting harrowing tales of human resilience. Drawing from the A&E television show of the same name, the podcast features first-person accounts from individuals who have faced life-threatening situations and lived to advise the tale. “American Justice” provides an inside look at the criminal justice system, presenting cases through the perspectives of law enforcement, victims, and others directly involved. “City Confidential” explores the darker side of American urban life, uncovering stories of murder, attempted murder, and public corruption in cities of all sizes.

“Ancient Aliens” and the Enduring Appeal of the Unexplained

Perhaps the most recognizable title in the lineup is “Ancient Aliens,” based on the long-running History Channel show. The podcast, like its television counterpart, explores the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth throughout history. From prehistoric times to ancient Egypt and beyond, the series examines evidence and speculation surrounding the possibility of alien influence on human civilization. The enduring popularity of “Ancient Aliens” speaks to a widespread fascination with the unknown and the potential for life beyond our planet.

PodcastOne’s broader catalog includes a diverse range of shows, such as “The Adam Carolla Show,” “The Jordan Harbinger Show,” and “Stassi With Tay,” demonstrating the network’s commitment to serving a wide audience. These podcasts, along with the A+E titles, are available on major podcast platforms including PodcastOne, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeart, and Amazon.

LiveOne’s Podcast Strategy and the Expanding Audio Landscape

PodcastOne operates as a subsidiary of LiveOne (formerly LiveXLive), a Los Angeles-based digital media company with a focus on music and live entertainment. The acquisition of PodcastOne in 2020 signaled LiveOne’s strategic expansion into the podcasting market, recognizing the growing potential of audio content. This renewal with A+E Global Media reinforces that strategy, solidifying PodcastOne’s position as a key player in the podcast distribution landscape.

The podcasting industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increased accessibility and a growing demand for on-demand audio content. According to Statista, the number of podcast listeners in the United States is projected to reach over 180 million in 2024. This growth has attracted both established media companies and independent creators, leading to a more competitive and dynamic market.

What’s on the Horizon for A+E and PodcastOne?

Whereas specific plans for future podcast development weren’t detailed in the announcement, the renewed partnership suggests a continued commitment to expanding the A+E Global Media podcast portfolio. The success of the existing shows demonstrates the potential for adapting television content into engaging audio experiences. The focus will likely remain on leveraging A+E’s established brands and compelling storytelling to attract and retain listeners. Further expansion could involve exploring new genres or formats, or potentially developing original podcasts exclusive to the PodcastOne platform. The companies will likely continue to monitor audience data and feedback to inform their content strategy and optimize distribution efforts.

You can find more information about PodcastOne’s offerings at podcastone.com and explore A+E Global Media’s television programming at aenetworks.com.