UCP, iHeartMedia Ink First Look Deal for TV Podcasts

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 27, 2020

iHeartMedia

UCP, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios, inks a multi-year first-look deal with iHeartMedia to have a first right at adapting iHeartRadio Original podcasts for television. As part of the deal, the studio's new podcast platform, UCP Audio, will also have the option to develop and co-produce original podcast series with the iHeartPodcast Network.

iHeartRadio joins UCP's roster of first-look deals, which include recently announced deals with Gary Dauberman, as well as John Carpenter, Emmy Rossum ("Angelyne") and Steve Piet & Erik Crary, among others. UCP also has overall deals with Sera Gamble ("The Magicians"), Nick Antosca ("The Act," "Brand New Cherry Flavor"), Sam Esmail ("Mr. Robot," "Homecoming") and Patrick Macmanus ("Dr. Death").

Later this year, the studio will unveil their new podcast network, UCP Audio. The new platform's initial offerings include "The End Up," a scripted podcast from Sam Esmail's ("Mr. Robot," "Homecoming") Esmail Corp banner and two unscripted podcasts that delve into two gripping true-crime investigations, "House of Prayer" and the untitled Troubled Teen Industry project.

"UCP was among the first studios to recognize that podcasting was a goldmine of new IP for the TV and film industry," said iHeartPodcast Network President Conal Byrne. "What's really special about this deal is that you have the biggest podcast network, with our team of expert podcast developers and producers who have been working in this medium for over 10 years honing the craft of audio storytelling, partnering with LA's powerhouse production studio to now create and develop premium TV and film properties out of podcast IP."

"Partnering with iHeart to not only adapt some of their enviable and extensive podcast library to television but also expand the production and reach of UCP Audio originals is a giant leap in our platform building strategy," added UCP President Dawn Olmstead. "We look forward to making waves in the podcast space this year and we are very excited to have iHeart joining us on our endeavor."