Another broadcaster has made a significant investment in the UK’s Podcast Radio as it grows and expands to the United States.

The deal sees Tindle Media Group taking a 10% interest in Podcast Radio, which launched three years ago and uses the trust and familiarity people have in radio to help them sample and choose podcasts.

Tindle owns and operates a portfolio of four radio stations in the UK and Republic of Ireland including Channel 103 in Jersey, Island FM in Guernsey, Soleil Radio across the Channel Islands and Midlands 103 in Ireland. They also own 23 local and regional newspaper titles across Britain.

Nation Broadcasting invested in Podcast Radio last year, also in return for a 10% stake.

Gerry Edwards, Founder and CEO of Podcast Radio says: “We’re pleased to have two very well-established commercial radio groups support our exciting plans to grow internationally. Both Nation and Tindle have shown great faith in Podcast Radio and we want to draw on their operational and commercial experience as we expand.”

Podcast Radio director Paul Chantler says: “With KMG, we are close to announcing our first partnership with a US broadcaster which will see us launch in several radio markets in North America. Nation and Tindle are supporting us to do this more in 2023.”

Gary Krantz, CEO of KMG Networks, says: “Podcast Radio has established itself as a leading innovator and forward-thinking company in the UK, providing a game-changing way for listeners to discover new podcasts while dramatically increasing the content offering to spoken word stations.

“We have several deals in place to establish Podcast Radio stations in the top 50 markets that we look forward to announcing in the coming months.”

Danny Cammiade, CEO of Tindle says: “With some of the most listened-to local radio stations anywhere in the British Isles, we have a strong history in providing content which engages listeners. That is why our investment is a natural extension for our company. We look forward to seeing Podcast Radio grow and make a real difference both in the UK and the international market.”

At the NAB conference in New York in October, Podcast Radio announced new ideas for the way podcast content is presented on radio. The team is currently developing a new short-form audio platform alongside the streaming channels already launched for Business, Crime and Comedy content.

Podcast Radio broadcasters 24/7 online and via app and smart speakers. It is monetized by selling traditional on-air advertising and sponsorships; inserting commercials into its online audio stream; partnering with international content makers; and making original podcasts and bespoke audio content.

The company raised initial capital from angel investors and an equity fundraising campaign. Other investors include Ohio-based podcast production company Evergreen and UK entrepreneurs including former BBC Radio 1 DJ and businessman Bruno Brookes. Podcast Radio is planning a US fundraise later this year.

Getting podcasts heard is the theme of a new international conference being held in London in February hosted by Podcast Radio. The Podcast Futures event is being held on 22nd February – 22.2.22 – in Westminster. Registration for the event is free.

Gerry Edwards, CEO of Podcast Radio, says: “With millions of podcasts available right now, the biggest challenge facing the industry, whether you’re a corporate or independent podcaster, is simply getting your podcast heard.”

“There are lots of companies out there making podcasts, lots of companies monetizing podcasts, but far fewer companies marketing podcasts. That’s what Podcast Radio helps to do by using the trust people have in radio to help listeners choose which podcasts they’d like to listen to.”

Sponsors, speakers and the venue for the Podcast Futures conference will be announced in January.

Event organiser Lee Cornell says: “This is the first in a series of Podcast Radio thought leadership events. We are in advanced talks with several big international players in the podcasting world to present sessions at the conference and we will be announcing these shortly.”

Podcast Radio, which launched in 2020, is monetized by selling traditional on-air advertising and sponsorships; inserting commercials into its online audio stream; partnering with international content makers; and making original podcasts and bespoke audio content.

The company raised initial from an equity fundraising campaign last year. It is now raising more money from private investors to drive audiences and revenue, finance international expansion in the US and Australia as well as enhancing content with a bold new idea for presenting content which will be unveiled at the conference.


Here are the full details of the conference and how to register.