LiSTNR General Manager, Digital Audio, Grant Tothill announced the appointment of Ian Walker, one of Australia’s most experienced Podcast executives will join the LiSTNR podcast team. He will work alongside Original Podcasts Head of Content, Jennifer Goggin, to actively develop and create new Factual and Scripted Podcasts to expand LiSTNR’s Real Crime slate, along with growing the scripted fiction genre for Australian international audiences.
Walker joins SCA from ABC Audio Studios, where he was instrumental in the rise of the national broadcaster’s in-house Podcast unit. During a seven-year period, Walker was the creative brains behind the development and production of more than a dozen new Podcasts across multiple genres.
Walker is best known for his award-winning, narrative non-fiction output, as creator and team leader of the ABC’s chart-topping and pioneering Unravel True Crime. The podcast has achieved more than 11 million downloads over five-seasons and spawned three companion TV documentary spinoffs.
He is also “pod daddy” to the much-loved ABC flagship storytelling podcast Days Like These and the upcoming history investigations podcast DiG.
Beginning his media career as a newsreader at Triple J, Walker moved into investigative radio journalism. He is well-known in the TV documentary sector for his work as director, producer, executive producer, and development producer having helped deliver dozens of hours of network television for various commercial production houses. He has won awards for his television documentary writing and directing.
As Senior Executive Producer, Factual and Scripted Podcasts at LiSTNR, Walker will report to Goggin, who said: “We are so excited to have someone of Ian’s calibre and track record join our Original Podcasts team as we develop our slate for 2022. Ian’s experience not only working with podcasts but in award-winning writing, directing, and producing will be incredibly valuable as we continue to launch new and original Australian storytelling for both Australian and international audiences.
Commenting on his appointment, Walker said: “It’s a super exciting time to be joining LiSTNR where the energy and drive amongst the team is palpable and the vision and opportunities are clear. We’re set on making a big splash in two of the most exciting podcast genres, serialized documentary, and audio fiction. The mission is ti excite audiences and connect new listeners to the brand.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my track record, storytelling experience and network of outstanding content makers to help make LiSTNR the new market in quality audio storytelling.
Walker’s appointment is effective January 10, 2022.
