Wizzard Podcasters Dominate SXSW

Wizzard Media (NYSE Amex: WZE), the world’s leading podcast network, today announced that SXSW’s (South By Southwest) impressive podcast lineup of the most downloaded and influential podcasts from the world of comedy are almost exclusively hosted on the Wizzard Media Network. Headlining daily at SXSW Comedy are a multitude of Wizzard Media podcast producers.

Referring to comic and host of the WTF podcast Marc Maron as “a God here” at SXSW, Forbes' Jeff Bercovici spoke with him about what it takes to make a successful podcast. Maron has established a business around his podcast, hosted on Wizzard, which has become extremely popular. The most recent 50 episodes of his show are always free to continue to grow his audience base, however, several different revenue streams including advertising, app sales and premium subscription upgrades have begun to bring in steady revenues for Maron. WTF’s premium subscription via Mylibsyn enables streaming of all 200 episodes online and through both iOS and Android Apps.

Comedy podcasts attract celebrity guests including well-known filmmakers, actors, musicians, artists and other comics. Kevin Smith, head of the SModcast network on Wizzard, took advantage of his gift of gab and celebrity connections to begin podcasting. After he lost his passion for film, podcasting saved his career. “I had no idea, but that would become the…center of everything I’m doing now,” said Smith during a panel at SXSW (CNN).

“It is exciting to see such strong representation by our producers at SXSW Comedy,” said Rob Walch, VP, Podcast Relations at Wizzard Media. “It is a testament to the growing popularity and monetization opportunities of podcasting. It also speaks to the strength of our producers, our network and the Libsyn publishing platform.”

Podcasts were initially viewed as a springboard to other endeavors but as audiences have grown, opportunities to make money have grown as well. "The ultimate freedom that allowed me to walk away from the [money] of the movie business - what gave me the strength to walk away - was…podcasting," according to Kevin Smith. Comedy shows represent over 20% of the Top 100 shows both in iTunes and on the Wizzard Media Network.

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