Mail Metro Media last night exclusively unveiled plans for its two newest podcast series, ‘Straight to the Comments’ and ‘The Sidebar’, at an intimate event for its advertising partners at Eastcheap Records in London
Harnessing the power of MailOnline’s content, which has been engaging huge valuable audiences for over 20 years, this latest announcement reflects the news brand’s commitment to investing in its potential to attract new audiences across audio and video platforms.
As the AOP this week revealed its annual survey that consumer publishers expect audio and podcasts to be one of the biggest drivers of growth (17%) in the next three years, Mail Metro Media continues to diversify its revenue streams by investing in video and podcasting capabilities.
As its first new audio series to launch in the coming weeks, ‘Straight to the Comments’ spotlights MailOnline’s notoriously entertaining comments section. Hosted by superstar YouTube pranksters, Archie Manners and Joshua Pieters, celebrity guests are put in the hot seat to react in real-time to some of the most irreverent and hysterical comments from the diversity of opinions of its engaged and outspoken monthly readership.
Subsequently, next month will see the launch of ‘The Sidebar’. Hosted by TV personality and presenter, Richard Arnold, a charismatic rotating ensemble of celebrity guests will discuss topical stories and reveal exclusive inside scoops, reflective of the much-loved celebrity sidebar on MailOnline’s home page.
Jamie East, head of podcasts, dmg media said: “These new shows in our first phase of podcast releases have been specially developed to appeal to our existing, and attract new, engaged audiences.”
He added: “I’m excited to be leading a team exclusively committed to audio production and to keep making significant strides as we play to our strengths, amplifying audio content across key themes we know our audiences love.”
Dominic Williams, chief revenue officer, Mail Metro Media said: “Audio and video are a real focus for us as a business right now – from a consumer and commercial perspective.”
He added: “We are in prime position to grow valuable audiences across all these platforms. These two new series launches couldn’t be more fitting for MailOnline and bring exciting new opportunities for our advertising partners. It’s an exciting step on our ambitious AV journey.”
Hosted by Mail Metro Media’s Media director of video and podcast, Guy Edmunds, and head of category for ents & media, Tracy Stanton, last night’s lively panel discussions featured Jamie East and special guest, Richard Arnold, alongside MailOnline’s director of video, Lisa Snell.
