Bertelsmann moves Fremantle’s Storyglass in with Penguin Random House for podcast push

This Is Spoke

European content giant Bertelsmann is combining expertise from its UK businesses – including TV producer Fremantle and publishing giant Penguin Random House UK – as part of an expanded push into podcasting.

Storyglass, which was launched in 2018 as a scripted-focused division of Fremantle’s global drama department, will now produce projects across all genres, including non-scripted, documentary, true crime, lifestyle, music and talent-led series for all major podcast distribution platforms.

It will operate as a standalone Bertelsmann company and will focus on developing and producing podcasts that complement the output of each of the businesses across TV, media, books and music.

The division is designed to bring together expertise from across Bertelsmann’s companies – including Fremantle, Penguin Random House UK and DK, and music firm BMG – as part of its recently established Content Alliance initiative, designed to create group-wide formats and marketing opportunities.

Andrea Scrosati

Bertelsmann is currently recruiting for a commercial director to run Storyglass, as well as a creative director.

Fremantle, BMG and Penguin Random House have previously worked together on podcast This Is Spoke, which explores youth culture.

“Podcasting is a fantastic space to test new IP and discover talent,” said Andrea Scrosati, Fremantle’s COO, along with Penguin Random House UK CEO Tom Weldon, BMG’s Alistair Norbury and DK CEO Carsten Coesfeld, in a joint statement.

“Individually, we have all had success in this space but by bringing our expertise together we are confident in our ambitions to establish Storyglass as a global leader in podcasting production.”