• by Colin Kirkland , July 19, 2023

Leading podcast publisher iHeartMedia has partnered with professional social network LinkedIn in an effort to help propel professional conversations through the podcast space.

The companies plan to combine their resources to launch new podcast offerings on LinkedIn while connecting brands and enhancing resources for emerging podcasters.

As the leading owner of radio stations in the U.S., iHeartMedia’s infrastructure and distribution power will now be accessible to LinkedIn’s 930 million global users. Both companies plan to produce a wide range of new shows for the LinkedIn Podcast Network targeted at “professionals looking for ideas, insights, and inspiration they need to get ahead in their careers.”

LinkedIn launched its Podcast Network in February 2022 with a mix of business-focused programs hosted by founders, CEOs, journalists, authors, marketers and other established professionals who also had a LinkedIn presence.

The social network’s strategy surrounded the chance that listeners would then spend time in the app, where they’d be able to keep conversations going with show hosts.

All podcasts on the LinkedIn Podcast Network will now be distributed through iHeartPodcasts, on the iHeartRadio app, LinkedIn Newsletters and all major podcast platforms.

IHeartMedia plans to monetize the new podcast offerings, with the overarching goal of connecting brands to important conversations in the professional space.

In addition, iHeartMedia and LinkedIn say they will offer new resources for niche and emerging business podcasters.

“Qualifying podcasters will gain streamlined access to LinkedIn’s tools, best practices, and coaching, and to iHeart’s hosting, distribution, monetization services, while receiving co-branding opportunities,” the companies stated in a combined statement.

“Whether it’s around negotiation, the latest disruption in tech, or job seeking, our members have shown us they are hungry to listen and discuss these professional topics,” added LinkedIn’s head of original programming Courtney Coupe.