Podcast Movement Apologizes to Cumulus' Ben Shapiro

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 5:03pm CT

Ben Shapiro

After conservative host Ben Shapiro attended Podcast Movement, an annual conference for podcasters and other content creators last week week in Dallas, the conference issued an apology for his unannounced 15-minute appearance. He had visited the conference's expo center, where "The Daily Wire," a conservative news site he co-founded had a booth taking a few photos before leaving. Following the apology, Cumulus said it would pull support from the organization.

Now, Podcast Movement President Dan Franks has issued an apology to Shapiro: "As we stated, we're continuing to evaluate our policies guiding social media and events with inclusivity, diversity & respect for all. We have to start by sincerely apologizing to Mr. Shapiro for our reaction when he visited a booth we sold his company. That wasn't right.

"Podcast Movement began in 2014, with four podcasters who had an idea to create a vibrant community that was for podcasters, by podcasters. We're still those people with the same idea, and recognize there's work to do as we grow.

"We are now looking to move forward, as we focus on that original mission from 2014 - being a hub for podcasting events, resources, news, and thought leadership."

The Cumulus Podcast Network has been The Daily Wire's advertising sales representative since 2016. Additionally, his radio show, "The Ben Shapiro Show," has been syndicated through Westwood One since 2019.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cumulus said, "At Cumulus Media, our tenet is that Every Voice Matters and we support conferences and trade events where differing political viewpoints can be expressed and received with respect. As such, we were dismayed and disappointed by Podcast Movement's handling of the reaction to our partner, top podcaster, and conservative talk leader Ben Shapiro's mere presence at Podcast Movement. After giving the leaders of Podcast Movement sufficient time to appropriately address their misstep, we are disassociating from Podcast Movement, including canceling our 2023 sponsorship plans."