iHeartMedia already has a new partnership for turning its podcasts into books, and the latest development will offer the conglomerate more options for podcasts to become television shows. The company entered a multi-year first-look deal with UCP, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios. This will grant UCP the first opportunity to turn iHeartRadio Original podcasts into TV programming.
In addition, UCP and iHeart may collaborate on further podcast development. UCP Audio, the division’s new podcast platform, has the option to develop and co-produce original podcast series with the iHeartPodcast Network.
“UCP was among the first studios to recognize that podcasting was a goldmine of new IP for the TV and film industry,” said Conal Byrne, president of the iHeartPodcast Network. “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,” UCP President Dawn Olmstead said. “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.”