Pushkin Industries, the audio company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, announced the acquisition of the Peabody-nominated independent podcast company Transmitter Media, marking a ramping up of Pushkin’s in-house production capabilities for both editorial and commercial opportunities.
Transmitter’s founder and CEO, Gretta Cohn, will join Pushkin Industries’ senior leadership reporting directly to Pushkin CEO Jacob Weisberg. Transmitter’s existing staff will continue to work on current projects as a newly formed department within Pushkin. This milestone marks Puskin’s first corporate acquisition.
“We’re delighted to welcome the team from Transmitter, which Gretta has built into one of the best audio production companies anywhere. Their track record and reputation for bespoke production speak for themselves,” said Jacob Weisberg. “At Pushkin, Gretta will continue to lead an ambitious team of producers and manage their superb client work, while taking on a senior leadership role at our company.”
“Pushkin makes some of the most dynamic and thought-provoking work in audio,” said Gretta Cohn. “Our producers are thrilled to join world-class audio talent – on both sides of the mic – and grow with a company whose commitments to inclusivity and editorial rigor reflect ours. I know our team will thrive at Pushkin.”
Transmitter Media was founded by Gretta Cohn in 2017 and developed and produced the critically acclaimed podcasts Finding Fred, Meltdown, and Rebel Eaters Club. In January 2022, they announced a multi-year strategic partnership with TED Audio Collective to produce a slate of ambitious podcast storytelling and conversation shows, including WorkLife with Adam Grant, which they’ve been partnering on since its inception in 2017, Am I Normal with Mona Chalabi, Body Stuff with Jen Gunter and TED Business. Transmitter’s clients and partners have included The New York Times, ESPN, Spotify and New York Magazine, among others.
This acquisition, brokered by Room Tone, comes on the heels of Puskin’s recent first-look deal with A24, the indie studio behind TV shows and movies like “Euphoria” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once”.
Pushkin is launching five new podcasts this fall, including shows with journalist Lauren Ober and bestselling author Emily Nagoski as well as co-productions with partners such as Bloomberg and Somethin’ Else/Sony Music Entertainment.
Additionally, Pushkin will be publishing an original audiobook with actress, writer, and director Lake Bell in November and has upcoming audiobook projects with Steve Martin and the estate of Mary Oliver slated for 2023. iHeartMedia is Pushkin’s exclusive sales and distribution partner. Granderson Des Rochers represented Transmitter Media, and Gunderson Dettmer represented Puskin Industries.