It will also be interesting to see how Pocket Casts and Anchor go together under Automattic’s management.
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While WordPress has definitely set its eyes on enabling bloggers to turn their written content into audio files that can be listened to on podcasts, it remains to be seen if Automattic also plans the same with Pocket Casts. In February, Spotify collaborated with after it acquired Anchor, a partnership targeted at converting blog posts into audio files through text-to-speech technology.
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With the recent acquisition by Automattic, it is unsure if Pocket Casts’ entire employees will be retained, but cofounders Russell Ivanovic and Philip Simpson have been tipped to remain under the company when it comes to new management. The company’s board chose to sell Pocket Casts in January after NPR was said to have lost $800,000 on the app in 2020.
Owner buys podcast app pocket casts plus#
But in 2019, the app was monetized by its new owners, and a monthly subscription fee was applied for the newly revamped Pocket Casts Plus the modified app provided desktop access and a standalone Apple Watch app for iOS users, Yahoo reports. Pocket Casts was established in 2010 but was acquired later by NPR and the BBC among a consortium of media stations. “We will explore building deep integrations with and Pocket Casts, making it easier to distribute and listen to podcasts.” “As part of Automattic, Pocket Casts will continue to provide you with the features needed to enjoy your favorite podcasts (or find something new),” the company announced. Automattic did not disclose the price it acquired the podcast app for, and it did not expatiate on the features and services to expect with Pocket Casts integration with Pocket Casts. A popular podcast app, Pocket Casts will be integrated with users to facilitate listening to audio files and other media streaming services. BBC Studios recently invested and also now has an ownership stake in the platform.Automattic, the parent company of and Tumblr, has acquired Pocket Casts. Public media organizations NPR, WNYC Studios, and WBEZ Chicago acquired Pocket Casts in May 2018. “We’re excited to bring John aboard to usher in a new era of growth for Pocket Casts and continue in our collective push for an open podcasting ecosystem that gives producers more tools and insights to engage their audience and generate revenue.”
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“With John’s extensive background in podcasting, digital media, and entertainment, he is the perfect fit for this role,” said Matt Moog, who serves as Executive Chairman of Pocket Casts.
It’s an honor to join such a talented team, leading the vision of providing listeners with the best experience and publishers with greater insight, control, and access to their audience.” And while the medium is rapidly growing, we still have so much to figure out in terms of monetization and supporting publishers. “Not just because it’s always been a favorite app of mine, but also because of the moment that the industry is in with broader, mainstream audiences falling in love with podcasting and building deep, new relationships with their favorite shows. “Becoming the CEO of Pocket Casts is truly a dream opportunity for me,” said Gibbons. He also spent 14 years with Amazon in various leadership roles, serving as the head of its movie/TV vertical and overseeing product and global revenue for. Most recently, Gibbons was a Principal at Atom Tickets as well as a strategic advisor to Podchaser and Props Project.