Full Breakdown
Audioboom and Crooked Media Forge Strategic Partnership for Podcast Growth
2/3/2026, 8:51:20 PM
Partnership Overview
Audioboom, a leading global podcast company, has entered into a multi-year commercial and hosting partnership with Crooked Media, a prominent media network known for its influential political podcasts. This agreement, effective immediately and extending through the 2026 U.S. midterms and the 2028 presidential election, will see Audioboom provide hosting, global distribution, and network advertising sales for Crooked Media’s entire podcast portfolio. Notably, Audioboom will also manage host-read advertising rights for "Pod Save the U.K.," creating new commercial opportunities in the U.K. market, while Crooked Media retains these rights for its other shows.
Significance of the Partnership
The collaboration is expected to unlock additional advertising inventory across both audio and video formats, capitalizing on the growing international interest in U.S. politics. Crooked Media, founded in 2017 by former Obama administration staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor, has established a robust catalog of political podcasts, including "Pod Save America," "Lovett or Leave It," and "What A Day." The partnership will leverage Audioboom’s Showcase marketplace, which connects podcasts with over 2,000 brands and international sales partners, thereby enhancing Crooked Media's distribution and monetization capabilities.
Official Statements & Responses
Giancarlo Bizzarro, Vice President of Sales at Crooked Media, emphasized that the partnership will strengthen their infrastructure for global distribution and monetization, ensuring their shows reach audiences worldwide. He stated, “At a time when the eyes and ears of the world are increasingly focused on the United States, this agreement ensures our shows reach audiences wherever they are and creates new commercial opportunities for Pod Save the UK and our growing international portfolio.”
Brendan Regan, Chief Content Officer at Audioboom, remarked on the significance of the partnership, noting, “Crooked Media has built one of the most influential podcast portfolios in modern political media... This partnership reflects our shared belief in creator-led networks supported by best-in-class distribution and monetization infrastructure.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the partnership appears beneficial for both parties, some industry observers may question the implications of consolidating advertising rights and hosting under a single provider. Concerns regarding potential homogenization of content and the impact on editorial independence could arise, particularly as Crooked Media maintains control over host-read advertising for its other shows.
What's Next
As the partnership unfolds, both Audioboom and Crooked Media are poised to enhance their podcast offerings, particularly in the video podcasting space, where Audioboom has recently been recognized as the world's largest video podcast publisher. The collaboration aims to meet the rising demand from audiences and advertisers alike, setting the stage for further growth in the podcasting industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Crooked has always focused on building shows with loyal, highly engaged audiences and partners who respect that relationship, and this new deal with Audioboom will strengthen our infrastructure for global distribution and monetization,” — Giancarlo Bizzarro, Vice President of Sales, Crooked Media
- “This partnership reflects our shared belief in creator-led networks supported by best-in-class distribution and monetization infrastructure.” — Brendan Regan, Chief Content Officer, Audioboom
