NICKELODEON AND IHEARTRADIO PARTNER
ON BRAND-NEW PODCASTS BASED ON BELOVED ANIMATED SERIES
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER AND SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
Network Expands Slate with Companion Podcasts Avatar: Braving the Elements
Hosted by Original Series Voice Talent Janet Varney and Dante Basco
and SpongeBob BingePants with Hosts Frankie Grande and Hector Navarro
Additional Podcasts to be Announced Soon
Share it: @Nickelodeon @NickAnimation @iHeartRadio
BURBANK, Calif.—May 13, 2021—Nickelodeon, the number-one network for kids, and iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, are extending the worlds of
Avatar: The Last Airbender and
SpongeBob SquarePants with two original podcasts for loyal fans who grew up on the beloved franchises. Hosted by original series voice actors Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Prince Zuko),
Avatar: Braving the Elements will explore the Avatarverse, while super-fans Frankie Grande and Hector Navarro will take fans down to Bikini Bottom with
SpongeBob BingePants. Co-produced by Nickelodeon and iHeartRadio, these companion podcasts will be available on iHeartRadio and wherever else podcasts are found starting this summer. The news was announced today during ViacomCBS’ presentation at the IAB Podcast Upfront.
“The family podcast market is still nascent, and we’re thrilled to be working closely with our good friends at iHeartRadio producing exciting new content for all audio platforms,” said Douglas Rosen, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Business Development and Digital Products, Nickelodeon. “Not only are we extending our beloved franchises and IP to the audio landscape, but we’re also working with creative talent to produce new ideas and concepts for all audiences.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at Nickelodeon to bring such incredibly fun shows to audiences everywhere,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of the iHeartPodcast Network. “I’m not sure you could pick two better franchises to kick things off, and there’s much more to come. We can’t wait for fans to hear these shows.”
Additional podcasts featuring beloved Nickelodeon titles from its library are currently in development and will be announced in the coming months.
The first podcasts to be released are:
- Avatar: Braving the Elements (40 episodes, premieres Tuesday, June 22, 2021) – Enter the amazing world of Avatar through the official companion podcast from Nickelodeon. Join hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Prince Zuko) each week as they re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender and break down key themes, notable battles, and behind-the-scenes trivia. Special guests from cast members to producers join them to explore elements of the Avatarverse, including the origins of the story and how Avatar was brought to life.
- SpongeBob BingePants (40 episodes, premieres later this year) – Hosted by super-fans Frankie Grande (Henry Danger) and Hector Navarro (Nickelodeon Animation Podcast, Geek & Sundry), the official SpongeBob SquarePants re-watch podcast dives down to Bikini Bottom for a recap of every episode, hilarious conversations, and never-before-heard secrets about everyone’s favorite optimistic sea sponge.
Nickelodeon’s podcasts feature brand extensions of its hit franchises and original content. New series
Avatar: Braving the Elements and
SpongeBob BingePants join
Listen Out Loud with The Loud House,
The Casagrandes: Familia Sounds,
Blue’s Clues & You!: Bedtime Stories and
Nickelodeon Animation Podcast. These podcasts are available across iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever podcasts are found.
"It's very rare to get to work on something that is so deeply rewarding, rich, and ongoing as the Avatar-verse," Varney said of the project. "I am so excited to be doing this new podcast with my wonderful friend Dante Basco where we're going to be talking about all things Avatar-verse, starting with S1 of The Last Airbender, episode 1. We can't wait to have everybody listen. It's going to be a really fun ride."
"For years, Avatar has been such a significant part of my career," Basco added, speaking about his podcast transition. "It's so special to go back and relive our stories and memories from this project as Janet and I explore the universe together. I'm looking forward to fans joining me on this journey as we uncover things we might have missed the first time around."
"Like millions of fans around the world, I grew up with SpongeBob SquarePants and it didn't take me long to realize he was *THE* cartoon icon of our time," Navarro said. "It was an honor to get to host the Nick Animation Podcast and now I am beyond thrilled I get to co-host this amazing show all about revisiting Bikini Bottom, from the very beginning! ARE YA READY, KIDS???"
"I think if there was another being on this earth who loves life as loudly and unapologetically as I do, it would have to be SpongeBob SquarePants and so it is a great honor that I am co-hosting this podcast," Grande added, speaking of the announcement. "I promise to make SpongeBob proud by bringing all the giggles, rainbows, joy, and love I can to this exciting project. I'M READY!"
Avatar: Braving the Elements and SpongeBob BingePants are distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.
About Avatar: The Last Airbender
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender emerged from its three-season run (61 episodes), from February 2005 to July 2008, as one of the most beloved animated properties in history. Honored with a Peabody Award and Primetime Emmy, along with multiple Annie Awards and Genesis Awards, the series follows the adventures of the main protagonist Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and ending the destructive war with the Fire Nation.
In addition to the series’ success, the property has spawned into several bestselling book series, which continue to roll out new original stories. The graphic novel series most recently spent two months on the New York Times Graphic Books Bestseller list in 2020, and the young adult novels have spent 22 cumulative weeks on the New York Times Young Adult Bestseller list and have shipped over a quarter million copies. The DVD and Blu-rays are also incredibly successful, with the “Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Complete Series” generating nearly $38MM in retail sales since its 2015 release.
About SpongeBob SquarePants
Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one animated series on TV for the last 18 years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in ViacomCBS Networks International history, seen in more than 170 countries and territories, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every month. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit
http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).
About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech and includes three segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit
iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
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ViacomCBS Scales Audio Footprint to Fuel Fandom and Extend Iconic Franchises at IAB Podcast Upfront
New and expanded partnership with iHeartMedia for Nickelodeon-produced podcasts based on animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants
Over 20 podcasts to premiere in 2021, including all-new and returning favorites from Awesomeness, BET, CBS News, CBS Studios, CBS Sports, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Noggin, MTV Entertainment Group, Paramount Network, and SHOWTIME® Sports
NEW YORK--May 13, 2021--ViacomCBS today
announced an expanded podcast footprint, featuring brand-new and returning hit series that build on beloved franchises and iconic IP from Awesomeness, BET, CBS News, CBS Studios, CBS Sports, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Noggin, MTV Entertainment Group, Paramount Network and SHOWTIME Sports. This robust slate will super serve consumers across comedy, news, true crime, sports, kids, entertainment, and music, reinforcing the company’s strategy to create premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide.
Since unveiling the company’s unified podcast slate at the IAB’s Podcast Upfront in September 2020, ViacomCBS has seen a nearly 14% increase in downloads year-over-year and is on track to produce over 120 shows, including more than 20 podcast premieres, this year alone.
“ViacomCBS is thrilled to return to the Podcast Upfront following a year of remarkable momentum and growth in the digital audio space,” said Steve Raizes, Senior Vice President, ViacomCBS Podcasts. “Honoring the quality and value of the company’s world-renowned content, this enhanced podcast slate will offer an organic pipeline for advertising partners to reach diverse audiences in a premium environment at scale.”
ViacomCBS also introduced a new and expanded partnership with iHeartMedia, where Nickelodeon will exclusively create podcasts from two of the brand's most cherished franchises: Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra and SpongeBob SquarePants. Additionally, ViacomCBS announced BET’s podcasting initiatives, emphasizing the massive demand for content from leading Black creators and reflecting the tremendous relevance, influence, and popularity of Black culture across the general entertainment ecosystem. BET will develop podcasts that will serve as a natural extension of the brand’s concerted investment in digital content.
Podcast titles from the upcoming slate include:
CBS News
- CBS Eye on Money with Jill Schlesinger – host Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, tackles sometimes uncomfortable and even controversial money and investing issues without the financial jargon to get to the heart of what’s important for anyone to know. Jill takes listener phone calls and interviews informative and entertaining guests each week to uncover surprising insights and provide actionable information so listeners can make the most of their money from CBS News.
- She Makes the Rules – a podcast about rule-makers, record-setters, and rebel women who’d rather boss up than back down. They do not back down, they’re never intimidated, they’re never afraid to speak truth to power. When something isn’t right, they take a stand. Join CBS News as we take a look at some of the key women that have been Rule-makers and Rule-breakers.
- Risking it All – most of us don’t experience heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping, high-stakes risks in our daily lives. But what if your job was all about taking those kinds of risks? That’s precisely what Dr. Sandra Magnus, a former NASA astronaut, and retired Navy Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld explore in their weekly podcast, Risking It All. Listen to conversations with professional risk-takers, including a deep-sea diver, a heart surgeon, an NFL quarterback, a secret agent, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how these pros live life on the edge.
MTV Entertainment Group
- Behind the Music (MTV) – the legendary series Behind the Music is expanding to audio with a companion podcast to the Paramount+ series, featuring career-spanning stories told by your favorite artists.
- Beyond the Scenes from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central) – host and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent Roy Wood Jr. gives listeners an inside look into how producers and writers of the Emmy®-winning series use comedy to tackle a variety of complex topics – from racial injustice to sex robots – and where these issues stand today. Beyond the Scenes features a rotating cast of The Daily Show correspondents including Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, and Dulcé Sloan.
- Wild ‘N Out (VH1) – one of the most social series in the world, Wild ’N Out will continue to combine hip hop and improv comedy, but now for your ears.
- Yellowstone (Paramount Network) – the most watched cable show of 2020 debuts a companion podcast that gives fans exclusive cast interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpse into the gritty, modern-West community and culture behind the megahit – Yellowstone.
Nickelodeon
- Avatar: Braving the Elements (40 episodes, premieres Tuesday, June 22, 2021) – enter the amazing world of Avatar through the official companion podcast from Nickelodeon. Join hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Prince Zuko) each week as they re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender and break down key themes, notable battles, and behind-the-scenes trivia. Special guests from cast members to producers join them to explore elements of the Avatarverse, including the origins of the story and how Avatar was brought to life.
- SpongeBob BingePants (40 episodes, premieres later this year) – hosted by super-fans Frankie Grande (Henry Danger) and Hector Navarro (Geek & Sundry), the official SpongeBob SquarePants re-watch podcast dives down to Bikini Bottom for a recap of every episode, hilarious conversations, and never-before-heard secrets about everyone’s favorite optimistic sea sponge.
Other show updates include the recent launch of
Fantasy Baseball Today in 5 and a new sports-centric podcast from “SHOWTIME Basketball” is coming soon.
About ViacomCBS:
ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.
For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit
www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.
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Behind ViacomCBS’ ‘Secret Sauce’ for Podcast Success
The media giant is betting on proven intellectual property like “The Daily Show” to boost podcast downloads — and more viewership
Podcasts probably aren’t the first thing you think of when it comes to ViacomCBS, but Steve Raizes is working on changing that.
Raizes, an SVP who runs ViacomCBS’ podcast operations, believes the key for the company’s growth in the expanding audio space is to lean into established TV hits to drive more podcast downloads. “The secret sauce, or unfair power, that we’ve got [is] this amazing, known IP,” he said. “Everyone knows and loves ‘The Daily Show'; everyone knows and loves ‘SpongeBob.’ So to take that [IP] and build it out — it’s great for expanding the portfolio of our content, and helping it to reach more people and almost create this flywheel between linear and podcasts and back.”
Currently, 80% of ViacomCBS podcasts are tied to existing intellectual property — an eclectic mix that includes shows tied to classic MTV series like “Yo! MTV Raps” and “Catfish” as well as kid-friendly podcasts based on Nickelodeon hits “Paw Patrol,” and “Blue’s Clues.”
Raizes has been leading the company’s podcasting efforts since 2015, but its focus on the medium has sharpened over the last year. ViacomCBS signed a three-year podcasting partnership with iHeartRadio last September, and earlier this month, announced that more than 20 new podcasts will be coming out. The new slate includes a companion podcast for the upcoming “Behind the Music” reboot on Paramount+, a “Yellowstone”-focused podcast that includes cast interviews and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and a 40-episode “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series set to debut in June.
The remaining 20% of its shows will be based on original pitches, Raizes said, as the company plans on having 120 podcasts out by the end of the year.
But the podcast strategy, at least for now, is clear: Bet on titles that TV and movie fans are familiar with to increase interest across across the board. That familiarity, Raizes said, helps cut through the increasingly crowded podcast landscape — and gives ViacomCBS a better chance of grabbing a listener driving to work or waiting for an oil change.
“We know that podcasting is hard. It is, it’s a competitive field,” he said. “There are 2 million podcasts out there, 40 million total episodes. It’s a tough space to break through, and we talk about the ‘paradox of choice.’ You know, there are so many tubes of tooth paste up on the shelf, and people kind of walk in and panic. Everyone in the podcast industry will say we’re working on it, that discovery is a problem and that we’re all trying to collectively solve for it.”
ViacomCBS is fairly tight-lipped on how its strategy is playing out, but there are some signs of success. “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” podcast — or “Ears Edition,” as ViacomCBS puts it — has pulled in more than 300 million downloads since launching three years ago. That’s a decent number of people listening to the late-night show the morning after it first airs. And overall, ViacomCBS podcast downloads are up 14% year over year, according to an individual familiar with the company’s performance.
There are other incentives for ViacomCBS to focus on podcasts. After all, the U.S. podcast market is projected to hit $1 billion in ad sales this year — up 19% from 2020 — according to a recent study published by the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Tapping into that podcast ad revenue is critical for ViacomCBS as it looks to counter the decline in television ad dollars.
To win its share of podcast ad dollars, though, Raizes said it takes more than just repackaging well-known TV shows. Size matters, as in time. So he’s also focused on making shows into bite-sized content that listeners can easily digest.
“People used to say the length of a podcast doesn’t matter,” Raizes said. “I actually think that as things get more competitive, I do think that length matters. And so we do push, at least in the initial stages, to go a little bit shorter [on our shows].”
Keeping shows in that 30- to 40-minute sweet spot is the goal for ViacomCBS, Raizes said. “And as time goes by, you earn the trust of the listener and you can expand.”
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Originally published: Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 19:58 BST.
