Chris Corcoran, co-founder and Chief Content Officer of podcast production house Cadence13 (eventually acquired by Pre-Audacy Entercom in 2019), has started a multimedia creative house called Arena Studios. While the initial focus is on the world of sports, the brand mission is more inclusive: “A first-class studio destination for premium talent and world-class creatives, designed with an artist-friendly culture and a hitmaking mentality.”
“It’s called the creator economy for a reason, and there’s never been a better time to bet on yourself as a creator in this space where podcasting is the new TV.” — Chris Corcoran
Two branded verticals are announced at launch:
- LESSONS with Geno Auriemma, the all-time winningest Division One basketball coach of the UConn women’s team coming off his 12th NCAA Championship-winning season, is designed around leadership through the lens of sports.
- COACH is a groundbreaking platform brand that shares the human experience through the context of performance and mindset anchored around star athletes, with WNBA superstars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Plum, and all-time winningest skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin as creative and strategic partners.
While sports take the lead, we are told that future verticals being prepped include pop culture and news-making. In all cases, the emphasis is on access, storytelling, and influence. A couple of developmental examples:
- Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino under their new STATUS umbrella will offer audiences an unfiltered look at the hidden dynamics of media and its broader societal impact.
- Midwestern Goodbyes with Chris Witaske (of The Bear, Is It Cake), featuring conversations with tastemakers about growing up — a show with the feel of a John Hughes movie that infuses a classic midwestern vibe with nostalgia.
