Stitcher

Stitcher is a media company that specializes in the creation, distribution, and monetization of podcasts.[1] Stitcher creates original shows through networks such as Earwolf and Witness Docs. Stitcher provides ad sales and distribution services to 300+ shows. Stitcher is home to one of the largest podcast listening apps. In July 2020, it was acquired by SiriusXM. The acquisition was finalized by 19 October 2020.

Stitcher
FoundedAugust 8, 2008 (2008-08-08)
FoundersNoah Shanok
Mike Ghaffary
Peter deVroede
Headquarters
New York
ParentSirius XM
SubsidiariesMidroll Media
Earwolf
Stitcher Originals
Stitcher
Websitestitcher.com

History

Stitcher was founded in 2008 by Noah Shanok, Mike Ghaffary, and Peter deVroede.[2] The company began with just the listening app and was venture-backed until 2014 when it was acquired by Deezer.[3] In 2016, Deezer sold Stitcher for $4.5 million to Midroll Media, a digital media company founded in 2012 and acquired by E.W. Scripps Company in 2015.[4][5][6] In 2017, Midroll Media underwent a rebranding, making Stitcher the parent company to Midroll Media and Earwolf, another entity under the E.W. Scripps network.[7]

In July 2020, Sirius XM acquired the company for $325 million.[8]

Operations

Users can listen to and download podcasts through apps on iOS, Android, the Web, and several vehicle integrations. Stitcher also offers Stitcher Premium, a subscription service that allows listeners to access exclusive ad-free podcasts, which was announced at the end of 2016 and went live early 2017.[9]

Stitcher currently operates 3 original content networks with over 50 shows from Earwolf (home to shows like Comedy Bang! Bang!, Office Ladies, How Did This Get Made?), Witness Docs (Unfinished: Deep South, The Dream, Verified), and Stitcher Originals (The Sporkful, By The Book, Science Rules!).[10]

Reception

Stitcher's revenue has been reported to increase 42% year over year, with its 2019 revenue reaching $73 million.[11] Prior versions of the app have been recognized as one of the best podcast apps for both Android and iOS.[12]

See also

References
  1. "Stitcher - The Best Place For Podcasts". Stitcher.
  2. Siegler, MG (April 20, 2008). "Stitcher reads you headlines, we have invites". VentureBeat. VentureBeat.
  3. Lunden, Ingrid (October 24, 2014). "Deezer Buys Stitcher, Adds 35K Talk Radio Shows And Podcasts To Its Music Platform". TechCrunch.com. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  4. Lawler, Richard (June 6, 2016). "Deezer sells Stitcher less than two years after purchasing it". Engadget.com. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  5. Perlberg, Steven (June 6, 2016). "E.W. Scripps Buys Podcast Company Stitcher". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  6. Quah, Nicholas (2016-06-07). "Hot Pod: Is the Stitcher deal a step toward a closed podcast ecosystem?". Nieman Lab. Retrieved 2016-06-12.
  7. Weissman, Cale Guthrie (2018-09-11). "Exclusive: Stitcher is taking over Midroll Media in branding refresh". Fast Company. Retrieved 2020-07-14.
  8. Carman, Ashley (2020-07-13). "SiriusXM is buying Stitcher for $325 million". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-07-14.
  9. Whitwam, Ryan (December 12, 2016). "Stitcher Radio updated to v3.8 with SD card support, ad-free premium upgrade, and more". Android Police. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  10. "Stitcher announces slate of new and returning shows on its Stitcher Originals and Earwolf networks this fall". Podnews. August 6, 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  11. spangler, Todd (July 6, 2020). "SiriusXM Nears Deal to Buy Stitcher Podcast Network". Variety. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  12. Badicicco, Lisa (February 20, 2018). "The 5 Best Podcast Apps for Android and iPhone". TIME. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
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