In a significant move within the podcasting industry, Wondery has announced a new multi-year partnership with renowned podcast producer and host Lindsay Graham and his production company, Airship. This collaboration aims to expand their successful portfolio of history-focused podcasts and explore new avenues for content distribution and audience engagement.
The New Multi-Year Deal
The renewed agreement between Wondery and Lindsay Graham signifies a deepening of their professional relationship, which has already yielded popular podcasts such as American History Tellers and American Scandal. Under the new deal:
- First-Look Rights: Wondery will have the first opportunity to review and potentially produce new podcast series developed by Graham and Airship.
- Expanded Collaboration: Graham will play a pivotal role in developing, programming, and promoting extensions of the History Tellers brand across various platforms, including books and live events.
This strategic partnership is designed to leverage Graham’s storytelling expertise and Wondery’s distribution capabilities to reach a broader audience.
A Legacy of Successful Collaborations
The partnership between Wondery and Lindsay Graham has been marked by a series of successful projects:
- American History Tellers: This podcast debuted at #1 on the Apple Podcast Charts and has remained a staple for history enthusiasts.
- American Scandal: Another collaboration that delves into historical controversies and has garnered a dedicated listener base.
- Business Movers: A podcast exploring the stories of influential business figures, further showcasing Graham’s versatility as a storyteller.
These productions have not only achieved commercial success but have also been recognized with multiple nominations at the Ambies, the podcasting industry’s premier awards.
Expanding Beyond Podcasts
The new deal also encompasses plans to extend the History Tellers brand into other mediums:
- Books: Building on the success of American History Tellers Presents: The Hidden History of the White House, published by HarperCollins in 2024.
- Live Events: Engaging audiences through interactive experiences and discussions centered around historical narratives.
- Educational Content: Developing materials that can be utilized in academic settings to promote historical literacy.
These initiatives aim to create a multifaceted brand that resonates with audiences across different platforms and formats.
The Rise of History Podcasts
The popularity of history-themed podcasts has seen a significant uptick in recent years. Factors contributing to this trend include:
- Accessible Storytelling: Podcasts like American History Tellers make complex historical events understandable and engaging for a broad audience.
- Educational Value: Listeners often turn to these podcasts as supplementary educational resources.
- Diverse Perspectives: The medium allows for the exploration of various historical narratives, including those that are underrepresented in traditional media.
This growing interest presents an opportunity for content creators and distributors to cater to a niche yet expanding market segment.
Wondery’s Strategic Positioning
Wondery’s partnership with Lindsay Graham aligns with its broader strategy to solidify its position in the podcasting industry:
- Acquisition by Amazon: In 2020, Amazon acquired Wondery, integrating it into its Amazon Music platform to enhance its audio content offerings.
- High-Profile Deals: Wondery has been involved in significant deals, such as the $100 million agreement with NFL brothers Travis and Jason Kelce for their podcast New Heights.
- Diversified Content: The company continues to invest in a variety of genres, including true crime, business, and history, to attract a wide listener base.
By fostering relationships with established creators like Lindsay Graham, Wondery aims to maintain its competitive edge and continue delivering high-quality content.
Conclusion
The renewed partnership between Wondery and Lindsay Graham represents a strategic effort to expand their successful history podcasting ventures into new territories. By leveraging Graham’s storytelling prowess and Wondery’s distribution network, the collaboration is poised to offer enriched content experiences to audiences worldwide.
