Aug 27, 2021

getty iHeartRadio , the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and award-winning, multiplatform broadcaster Dan Patrick announced the second annual search for The Next Great Podcast. Launched last year in collaboration with content creation platform Tongal , the inaugural initiative received nearly 1,800 submissions from creators of all ages from Albania to Zimbabwe and all geographies between. Beginning today through September 17, 2021, “creators around the world can once again pitch for the chance to produce a new podcast series of any genre—from comedy to true crime, sports to pop culture—and to work with The iHeartPodcast Network and Patrick to launch the new series. Fans can check out the winning 2020 creators Lianna Holston and Siena Jeakle’s “ Tossed Popcorn ,” a new movie review podcast from a pair of friends who “don’t really like movies," which debuted earlier this month.” Patrick, who’s a legendary figure in sports broadcasting and in the podcast world, spoke about his excitement of discovering the next great podcaster in the official release. “Our first year of The Next Greatest Podcast exceeded my wildest expectations,” said Dan Patrick. “What I most love from our contest is the incredible diversity of voices and range of stories that our amazing fans submitted from across the planet. I know that our second year is going to be just as incredible as the first. The Danettes and I can’t wait to hear them. ”  James DeJulio, Tongal Co-Founder and CEO, is looking forward to collaborating with iHeartRadio to discover news voices. “Partnering with iHeartRadio to discover and develop another breakthrough podcast will connect our diverse community of creators with access to a career-defining opportunity,” DeJulio said. “There is skyrocketing demand for original content and storytelling in today’s entertainment ecosystem and Tongal’s platform democratizes access to exciting opportunities like this for creators.” According to the the release, “creators will be asked to submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video. Pitches will be narrowed down by a panel of podcasters, led by head judge and legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick, and 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 to further develop their idea into a 10-minute pilot.” These pilots will be shared on “ The Next Great Podcast ” feed in the fall for fans everywhere to listen and vote. One will be crowned “The Next Great Podcast,” featured on iHeartRadio stations across the country and work closely with Patrick and iHeartRadio’s team of expert podcast producers to develop their podcast into an original series for distribution by The iHeartPodcast Network. “Podcasting as a creative medium and launch pad for new talent continues to thrive,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of The iHeartPodcast Network. “After the impressive results from last year that brought us ‘Tossed Popcorn’s’ fresh approach on movie reviews, we are excited to collaborate for a second year with Tongal to reach their impressive community of creatives as we search for 2021’s next great podcast.” MORE FOR YOU