Acast Acquires Wonder Media Network
• Acast, the world’s largest podcast company, announced the acquisition of Wonder Media Network (WMN), the full-service, award-winning creative studio.
WMN, which will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acast, will combine with Acast’s existing creative team to form a new division, Acast Creative Studios, which will provide advertisers with integrated campaigns and branded content solutions from ideation through to production and campaign delivery, to reach engaged audiences across audio, video, social, live events and more. It will also include WMN’s existing original content arm, which will continue to produce premium original podcasts.
WMN is a female-founded, audio-first creative studio based in NYC that works with leading global brands on storytelling in audio and beyond. Founded in 2018 by former award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan and Shira Atkins. The new entity will be led by Kaplan and Atkins and include existing talent and resources already serving Acast’s partners looking for omnichannel creative services.
“This acquisition significantly expands our U.S. operations with the introduction of a highly experienced content studio — in both original and branded, empowering advertisers to create even more impactful campaigns across audio and beyond,” said Acast CEO Ross Adams. “Acast Creative Studios provides a complete solution, tapping into the growing demand for innovative, omnichannel campaigns. This not only opens new revenue streams for creators but also enables deeper relationships with advertisers to bring bigger, bolder ideas to life. Together, Acast and WMN have established an industry-leading group with unrivaled creative service and production capabilities. This, coupled with Acast’s scale and established network, creates a dynamic ecosystem where brands, creators and audiences can all benefit.”
WMN CEO Jenny Kaplan commented, “WMN’s mission is so tightly aligned with that of Acast — bringing important and changemaking stories to the world. Together, we will allow both creators and advertisers to reach new audiences, build successful businesses, and shape the future of audio.” The transaction is expected to be completed Jan. 2, 2025, subject to certain closing conditions.
