Seven podcast networks to share updates during Winter Podcast Upfront

This month, several podcast companies will unveil their latest show and talent rosters at the Winter Podcast Upfront, scheduled for February 20 at the headquarters of the United Talent Agency. The Beverly Hills event will offer advertisers, agencies, and media a look at the most recent partnerships and developments for seven podcast networks: Stitcher and Midroll, NPR, Wondery, ESPN, WNYC Studios, Podcast Media Marketing, and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network.

Paul Scheer and Sean Rameswaram will participate in the presentation from Stitcher and Midroll. The updates for the network and advertising division include the shows Voyage to the Stars, First Day Back, and LeVar Burton Reads.

NPR Senior Vice President of Programming and Audience Development Anya Grundmann will have updates on podcasts such as Invisibilia, Embedded, and Rough Translation, as well as new show announcements.

Wondery’s latest news includes another co-production with the Los Angeles Times and a collaboration with Bloomberg.

Stephen A. Smith will host ESPN’s presentation, which will cover a new season of the 30 for 30 podcast project.

WYNC Studios will discuss new and ongoing podcasts from hosts including Jad Abumrad, Chris Garcia, Latif Nasser, and Tanzina Vega. Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird is also slated to discuss the organization’s Audiolab service.

Conal Byrne, the HowStuffWorks leader who is now heading up podcasts with iHeartRadio, will host the media company’s presentation. Popular podcast hosts Holly Frey and Jake Brennan are slated to join the event.

Anna Washenko