iHeartMedia is deepening its relationship with Hollywood/podcast star Will Ferrell, joining to launch Big Money Players Network, a nascent podcast network for comedy shows.
The new enterprise plans to release 10 new shows in the next two years, in “a variety of formats and styles,” according to iHeart. Scripted and unscripted formats are anticipated.
This development follows the success of The Ron Burgundy Podcast, a star vehicle for Ferrell who revives his movie character in podcasting, and an original iHeartRadio production.
“The iHeartPodcast Network has been such a pleasure to work with. I love hanging out in the offices and I’ve only been yelled at once for using someone’s computer, which I shouldn’t have done,” said Will Ferrell. “Its creative, multiplatform assets and ability to market and reach millions of new podcast listeners is unprecedented. I’m looking forward to continuing our journey as creative partners and helping to define how comedy and podcasting will merge in the next couple years.”
Ferrell’s agency commented: “As we were looking to expand Will’s presence in the audio space, we needed a partner who fundamentally understood his brand of premium comedy, stated UTA Head of Emerging Platforms, Oren Rosenbaum. “iHeartMedia has proven to be just that—they have an innate understanding of the podcasting landscape and will help bring this partnership to the next level.”
And this from Conal Byrne, ex-head of Stuff Media and now President of the iHeartPodcast Network: “Will Ferrell is one of the greatest comedians of our lifetime, and the unique synergy between Will and iHeartMedia will continue to lead us in accomplishing even more great audio content together. We’ve worked extremely close with Will over the past year and our listeners love what we’ve offered them so far. The creative opportunities that an iHeart and Will Ferrell collaboration offer are limitless, and we can’t wait to introduce fresh, hilarious, new content to listeners.”