Los Angeles and New York â July 30, 2020 â iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, announced today the search for The Next Great Podcast. The campaign will launch in collaboration with content creation platform Tongal to help reach up-and-coming creative talent for a chance to develop a new original show for The iHeartPodcast Network.
Beginning today through Thursday, August 27th, creators around the world can pitch for the chance to produce a new podcast series of any genreâfrom comedy to true crime, and sports to pop cultureâand to work with The iHeartPodcast Network to launch the new series.Â
âiHeartRadio has built a global stage for some of the worldâs biggest podcasts, and now theyâre using their platform to create an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming voices,â said James DeJulio, Tongal Co-Founder and CEO. âAt Tongal, our mission has always been about connecting emerging talent to opportunity, so weâre excited to be working with iHeart to power this search and champion new voices.â
Creators will be asked to submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video. Pitches will be narrowed down by a panel of podcasters, led by head judge and legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick, and 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 to further develop their idea into a 10-minute pilot. These pilots will be shared on âThe Next Great Podcastâ feed in the fall for fans everywhere to listen and vote. One winner will be crowned âThe Next Great Podcast,â featured on iHeartRadio stations across the country and work closely with Patrick and iHeartRadioâs team of expert podcast producers to develop their podcast into an original series for distribution by The iHeart Podcast Network.
âAudio is thriving and is the breeding ground for some of the best IP out there right now,â said Conal Byrne, President of The iHeart Podcast Network. âPodcasting has always been an ideal place for cultivating new talent and we are excited to join forces with Tongal to reach their impressive community of creatives as we search for the next great podcast.â
âThis is a passion project for me. Thereâs so much great talent out there that hasn't had the luxury of a head start from a major media company,â said Dan Patrick. âThis is that head start that will recognize and grow someone who has the dream to become a podcast star.â
Creators can go to nextgreatpodcast.tongal.com/ to apply and learn more.