Imagine & iHeart Ink Podcast Deal

• Imagine Entertainment Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard announced the launch of their new podcast division, Imagine Audio, fueled by an exclusive deal with iHeartMedia, which will include a slate of co-produced, unscripted podcasts. The partnership will collaborate to launch six new series over the next two years distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network. The new division will be overseen by Imagine’s Chief Strategy Officer, Justin Wilkes and led by producer, Kara Welker. Summer Sagansky has also joined the division as a Creative Executive.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have iHeart as our partner as we launch the Imagine brand into the audio space,” said Wilkes. “Audio has proven to be a fantastic incubator and engine for IP development and between our connectivity to talent and storytellers, as well as our ability to create high-quality content, we’re incredibly well positioned to enter the category.”

Imagine Audio will take a 360 approach to content across the Imagine brand by not only creating podcasts, but fully immersive experiences that will extend into TV, film, live events and tours and merchandise. The division is currently working with established talent as well as new voices across a slate audio productions in development and production which will be announced in the new year.

“Imagine stands for the very highest quality content — behind some of the greatest film, TV and digital content the world has seen,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “As the largest podcast network in the world, our goal is simple and consistent: We want to work with the most innovative, passionate storytellers in the world — producers who don’t just work in mediums, but who pioneer them. That’s Imagine.”