On the eve of their highly anticipated comedy showcase at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, The Stand Group, Inc. has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Cineverse, a leading independent entertainment studio. This collaboration marks the launch of the WITZ Podcast Network, a new initiative designed to amplify comedy content across multiple digital platforms.
The partnership aims to enhance podcast distribution, secure sponsorships, and drive programmatic demand while simultaneously creating fresh intellectual properties (IP) through podcasts and live entertainment events. By leveraging Cineverse’s expanding podcast arm and The Stand’s deep-rooted influence in stand-up comedy, the venture is poised to become a dominant force in the audio entertainment sector.
Building on Success: Expanding the WITZ Comedy Brand
After the successful debut of the WITZ Comedy-TV FAST channel and digital content library in 2022 in collaboration with Best Ever Channels (BEC), The Stand Group is now stepping into the podcasting arena. The launch of WITZ Podcast Network will see The Stand Group align its expertise with Cineverse’s resources to develop a powerful comedy-focused podcasting hub.
BEC partners Barry Gordon and Jonathon Barbato played a key role in matching The Stand Group’s comedic sensibilities with Cineverse’s digital distribution capabilities.
Maximizing Reach and Revenue
“Together, we will optimize marketing, promotional, and sales strategies for new and existing podcast creators, while also developing original IP for a growing audience,” says Barry Gordon, co-CEO of BEC.
This move aligns with Cineverse’s broader expansion into the podcasting space. The company has already established itself as a top-10 podcast network, primarily due to its dominance in horror, true crime, and entertainment content.
Comedy Podcasting: A Booming Industry
The comedy genre continues to lead the podcasting space, with Edison Research ranking it as the most popular podcast category in the United States. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), comedy podcasting has now surpassed news and sports in popularity, gaining a four-percentage-point increase in revenue share from 2022 to 2024.
This growth is further evidenced by the influx of advertisers into the comedy sector, with 300 new brands joining the space in Q3 2023 alone. The collaboration between Cineverse and The Stand Group positions WITZ Podcast Network at the forefront of this lucrative market.
A Legacy of Comedy Excellence
For over two decades, The Stand Group has cultivated an impressive roster of comedic talent, producing live shows featuring some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy. Partner Cris Italia sees the partnership with Cineverse as a natural progression for the brand:
“After 20 years of curating unforgettable live experiences and working with some of the industry’s best comedians, we are ready to take the next step. This collaboration allows us to nurture new talent while creating independent content that resonates with today’s digital audience.”
A Star-Studded Launch at SXSW 2025
The WITZ Podcast Network will make its grand debut at SXSW 2025 with an exclusive celebration featuring comedians, podcast personalities, musicians, and film stars. The event will also coincide with Cineverse’s wide theatrical release of the highly anticipated film The Toxic Avenger, directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage.
A Synergistic Expansion
Cineverse President and Chief Strategy Officer Erick Opeka highlights the importance of the partnership:
“Aligning with comedy powerhouses like The Stand Group/WITZ instantly elevates our credibility in this space. With the success of the Cineverse Podcast Network in horror and entertainment, this expansion into comedy is a strategic move that complements our broader content ecosystem.”
Cineverse intends to leverage the WITZ Podcast Network as a key component of its advertising sales strategy, offering studios and brands a unique opportunity to integrate their marketing efforts into one of the fastest-growing podcast categories.
Comedy Titans Join Forces
The Stand Group has built a reputation for working with some of the most renowned and up-and-coming comedians in the industry, including:
- Comedy Legends: Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Andrew Dice Clay, Jim Gaffigan
- Rising Stars: Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, Ralph Barbosa, Hannah Berner
- Industry Favorites: Pete Davidson, Nate Bargatze, T.J. Miller, Nikki Glaser
- Diverse Voices: Sam Jay, Janeane Garofalo, Laurie Kilmartin, Aida Rodriguez
With this new venture, WITZ Podcast Network is set to offer a dynamic platform for these voices, providing audiences with fresh, original, and engaging comedy content.
The Future of WITZ Podcast Network
As digital media consumption continues to evolve, the WITZ Podcast Network is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium audio entertainment. Through Cineverse’s extensive distribution network and The Stand Group’s deep connections within the comedy industry, the network is poised to redefine comedy podcasting in the coming years.
Expect to see a range of innovative programming, from solo stand-up specials to immersive narrative comedy series, ensuring that WITZ Podcast Network becomes a staple in every comedy fan’s playlist.
