Mercury Podcast Network Marks One Year With Orbit Launch and Indie Podcasting Hall of Fame
The Mercury Podcast Network has completed its first year of operations with two major announcements that signal a strategic evolution in the independent podcasting ecosystem: the launch of a paid subscription platform called Orbit and the unveiling of a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to indie podcast creators and champions.
Marking its anniversary, the network says these initiatives represent a decisive shift away from the traditional podcast network model toward a more inclusive, service-driven platform designed to empower independent podcasters globally, regardless of audience size or commercial reach.
The move positions Mercury as not just a distributor of shows, but as a support infrastructure for the indie audio economy, at a time when creators are increasingly seeking alternatives to ad-heavy, algorithm-dependent platforms.
From Network to Ecosystem: Mercury’s Vision for Independent Podcasting
Founded by Liam Heffernan, Mercury Podcast Network entered the market with a clear mission: to serve independent podcasters who often find themselves overlooked by major media companies and venture-backed networks.
According to Heffernan, the past year has been focused on laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth.
“Launching Mercury was never just about creating another podcast network,” Heffernan said. “It was about building an ecosystem that genuinely represents, supports, and celebrates independent podcasters around the world.”
He added that Mercury’s latest initiatives are designed to reduce industry barriers, widen access to professional tools, and create new pathways for creators to grow without compromising ownership or creative control.
Introducing Orbit: A New Subscription Model for Independent Podcasters
At the center of Mercury’s anniversary announcement is Orbit, a new subscription-based service open to independent podcasters, production studios, and podcast-focused agencies.
What Is Orbit?
Orbit is designed as a multi-service platform that provides creators with tools traditionally reserved for larger networks or well-funded shows.
Key features of Orbit include:
Podcast hosting infrastructure
Monetisation and advertising support
Access to industry tools and educational resources
A private, members-only community
Ongoing platform updates and feature rollouts
Subscriptions start at $12 per month, with Mercury also taking a commission on advertising revenue generated through the platform.
Mercury says additional features will be rolled out in future phases, reflecting feedback from early adopters and evolving industry needs.
Supporting Creators at Every Stage, Not Just the Top Tier
One of the defining elements of Orbit is its inclusive approach. Unlike many networks that focus solely on shows with large audiences, Mercury says Orbit is structured to support podcasters at all stages of growth.
The company believes this model can help creators:
Monetise earlier in their journey
Build sustainable production workflows
Access professional guidance without long-term exclusivity contracts
Mercury also confirmed that Orbit will act as a talent pipeline into the main Mercury Podcast Network, offering standout creators opportunities for deeper collaboration as their shows grow.
Heroes of Indie Podcasting: A Hall of Fame for the Independent Audio Sector
Alongside the Orbit launch, Mercury has introduced Heroes of Indie Podcasting, a new annual Hall of Fame initiative dedicated to recognising individuals who have made lasting contributions to independent podcasting.
The program aims to spotlight the people behind the scenes and at the forefront of the indie audio movement—those whose work has strengthened the community, expanded access, and championed creator-first values.
Inaugural Inductees Announced
The first inductees into the Heroes of Indie Podcasting Hall of Fame are:
Arielle Nissenblatt, Founder of the EarBuds Podcast Collective
Emma Turner, Co-Founder of the Independent Podcast Awards
A third inductee is expected to be revealed at a later live event.
Arielle Nissenblatt: Championing Discovery in Podcasting
Arielle Nissenblatt is widely regarded as a key figure in podcast discovery and community-building. Through the EarBuds Podcast Collective, she has helped listeners find new shows while giving independent creators a platform for visibility.
Recently inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame, Nissenblatt described her inclusion in Mercury’s Heroes of Indie Podcasting as deeply meaningful.
She said the recognition felt “really affirming” and reflected the support and mentorship she received when she first entered the industry.
Her work has consistently focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering collaboration over competition.
Emma Turner: Elevating Indie Creators Through Awards and Recognition
Emma Turner, co-founder of the Independent Podcast Awards, was equally surprised by her induction.
She described the recognition as “incredibly flattering,” noting that the awards were created to ensure independent creators receive the visibility and validation often reserved for major networks.
Turner emphasized that independent podcasts represent some of the most innovative and authentic storytelling in audio today, yet often lack the platforms needed to reach wider audiences.
Why a Hall of Fame Matters for Independent Podcasting
Mercury says the Heroes of Indie Podcasting initiative is about more than accolades. It is intended to:
Preserve the history of the independent audio movement
Recognise community builders, not just chart-toppers
Inspire emerging creators by highlighting diverse career paths
In an industry that often prioritises downloads and revenue, the Hall of Fame seeks to spotlight impact, leadership, and contribution.
Strategic Partnership With Amplifi Collective Announced
In another key development, Mercury Podcast Network has announced a production partnership with Amplifi Collective, a company focused on supporting freelance audio professionals.
The partnership will cover:
Podcast development
Production and editing
Distribution and post-production support
Supporting the Freelance Podcast Workforce
Amplifi Collective founder Taylor Cottrell said the collaboration is aimed at expanding access to paid opportunities for freelance podcast professionals.
Cottrell noted that the partnership is about creating sustainable pathways for skilled audio workers while meeting the growing demand for high-quality podcast production.
Mercury says the collaboration will allow it to offer end-to-end podcast services for clients, while ensuring freelancers are compensated fairly for their work.
End-to-End Services Without Exploiting Creators
By combining Orbit, the Mercury Podcast Network, and Amplifi Collective’s production expertise, Mercury aims to position itself as a creator-first alternative to traditional podcast studios and networks.
The company believes this integrated model can:
Reduce friction for independent creators
Maintain creator ownership
Provide scalable services without locking podcasters into restrictive contracts
The Bigger Picture: Independent Podcasting at a Turning Point
Mercury’s announcements come at a time when the podcasting industry is undergoing significant change.
Key industry trends include:
Increased consolidation among major networks
Growing dissatisfaction with ad-only revenue models
Rising demand for creator-owned platforms
Against this backdrop, Mercury’s ecosystem-driven approach reflects a broader shift toward community-led, sustainable audio platforms.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mercury Podcast Network?
As Mercury enters its second year, the company has indicated that further developments are already in motion.
Planned initiatives include:
Additional Orbit features and service tiers
Expanded international outreach
Live events and community activations
Further Heroes of Indie Podcasting inductions
While details remain under wraps, Mercury says its guiding principle remains unchanged: putting independent creators first.
Conclusion: A Defining First Year for Mercury Podcast Network
With the launch of Orbit, the introduction of the Heroes of Indie Podcasting Hall of Fame, and a strategic partnership with Amplifi Collective, Mercury Podcast Network has used its first anniversary to outline a clear and ambitious roadmap.
Rather than chasing scale for scale’s sake, the company is betting on community, accessibility, and creator empowerment—values that continue to resonate strongly within the independent podcasting world.
As the audio industry evolves, Mercury’s first-year milestones suggest it intends to play a long-term role in shaping the future of indie podcasting.
