Dan Patrick and the iHeartRadio team will select 10 up-and-coming creators to produce pilot episodes; and fans will vote for one to become The Next Great Podcast to join The iHeartPodcast Network

Los Angeles and New York – August 3, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, announced today the search for The Next Great Podcast. The campaign will launch in collaboration with content creation platform Tongal to help reach up-and-coming creative talent for a chance to develop a new original show for The iHeartPodcast Network.

Beginning today through Thursday, August 27th, creators around the world can pitch for the chance to produce a new podcast series of any genre—from comedy to true crime, and sports to pop culture—and to work with The iHeartPodcast Network to launch the new series.

“iHeartRadio has built a global stage for some of the world’s biggest podcasts, and now they’re using their platform to create an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming voices,” said James DeJulio, Tongal Co-Founder and CEO. “At Tongal, our mission has always been about connecting emerging talent to opportunity, so we’re excited to be working with iHeart to power this search and champion new voices and new ideas in the podcasting space.”

Creators will be asked to submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video. Pitches will be narrowed down by a panel of podcasters, led by head judge and legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick, and 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 to further develop their idea into a 10-minute pilot. These pilots will be shared on “The Next Great Podcast” feed in the fall for fans everywhere to listen and vote. One winner will be crowned “The Next Great Podcast,” featured on iHeartRadio stations across the country and work closely with Patrick and iHeartRadio’s team of expert podcast producers to develop their podcast into an original series for distribution by The iHeartPodcast Network.

“Audio is thriving and is the breeding ground for some of the best IP out there right now,” said Conal Byrne, President of The iHeartPodcast Network. “Podcasting has always been an ideal place for cultivating new talent and we are excited to join forces with Tongal to reach their impressive community of creatives as we search for the next great podcast.”

“This is a passion project for me. There’s so much great talent out there that hasn't had the luxury of a head start from a major media company,” said Dan Patrick. “This is that head start that will recognize and grow someone who has the dream to become a podcast star.”

Creators can go to NextGreatPodcast.com to apply and learn more.