acast Acquires RadioPublic: Expanding Podcast Reach

Acast Acquires RadioPublic

Acast, a leading podcast advertising firm, has announced the acquisition of RadioPublic, a company originating from public radio marketplace PRX in 2016.

RadioPublic's Evolution

Initially, RadioPublic focused on a mobile application for podcast consumption, which remains available. However, according to co-founder and Chief Product Officer Matt MacDonald, the company’s strategic direction evolved towards providing tools for podcasters.

This shift centered on their Listener Relationship Management Platform, encompassing features like an embeddable web player and customizable podcast websites, known as Podsites.

Strategic Partnership and Scale

MacDonald explained that the team recognized the benefits of aligning with a larger organization to fully realize their development roadmap.

Ultimately, Acast was identified as the ideal partner, and subsequently, the acquiring entity.

While Acast’s core business remains podcast advertising, it has broadened its offerings with platforms like Acast Open, currently hosting 20,000 podcasts and reaching a collective 300 million listeners monthly.

Shared Values and Future Growth

“This acquisition represents a fundamental alignment of values,” stated Leandro Saucedo, Acast’s chief business and strategy officer.

“Both companies are deeply committed to an open podcasting ecosystem, prioritizing listener discovery and creator support. We are highly impressed with RadioPublic’s accomplishments and believe this is the opportune moment to integrate their team and mission into Acast.”

Acquisition Details and Operational Continuity

The financial specifics of the acquisition have not been revealed, but Acast assures that RadioPublic’s operations will remain unaffected.

Matt MacDonald and co-founder/CTO Chris Quamme Rhoden will join Acast. (Former CEO Jake Shapiro transitioned to Apple Podcasts last fall to lead creator partnerships).

Integration of RadioPublic’s features into the Acast platform is planned, but RadioPublic will continue supporting its existing products and mobile applications for the near future.

Focus on Podcaster-Listener Relationships

MacDonald emphasized the ongoing focus on “strengthening the connection between podcasters and their audiences.”

He believes this represents RadioPublic’s core opportunity, even amidst substantial investment in podcasting by major platforms like Spotify.

Ownership of the Audience

“Our aim is to empower creators to maintain control over their audience relationships,” MacDonald stated.

“We firmly believe that a podcast’s listeners belong to the podcast itself, not the platform.”