VANCOUVER (May 1, 2019) – Rogers Media’s investment in the future of audio content continues with the acquisition of Pacific Content – a leading branded-content podcast company that produces original and award-winning podcasts for clients across North America.
Today, 26% of Canadians tune in to podcasts once a month, while 18% listen weekly.* In the U.S., Americans have seen a sharp rise over the past year, with 32% listening each month, and 22% weekly.**
“Podcasting is a big part of the future of audio. We quickly identified its immense potential and are being aggressive in this space,” said Julie Adam, Senior Vice President, Rogers Radio. “The team at Pacific Content is a group of passionate and experienced thought leaders and content creators who are at the forefront of this transformational shift in the media landscape.”
Pacific Content was the first branded content podcast business to launch in the world, in 2015, and today is one of the largest in North America. Based in Vancouver with content creators across the country, Pacific Content works with prominent companies and advertisers to connect their brands to target audiences through high-quality audio storytelling.
“With the rapid evolution of digital audio, especially in the podcast industry, there is an untapped opportunity for our marketers to engage directly with their potential consumers through the art of storytelling – adding value to their specific market or industry, while creating brand relevance,” said Alan Dark, Senior Vice President, Rogers Media Sales.
“We have found an incredibly smart, bold, and collaborative partner in Rogers Media,” said Steve Pratt, Vice President, Pacific Content. “Both Rogers Media and Pacific Content share a strong passion in driving forward the future of both audio and branded content, and we can’t wait to start working together to take advantage of our combined strengths, experience, and creativity.”
With the launch of Frequency Podcast Network last year, combined with today’s acquisition of Pacific Content, Rogers Media continues as a leader in audio content with original and branded podcasts and 56 radio stations across the country.
*Source: Canadian Podcast Listener, May 2018
**Source: Edison, April 2019
About Rogers Media
Rogers Media is a diverse media and content company that engages more than 30 million Canadians each week. The company’s multimedia offerings include 56 radio stations, 29 local TV stations, 23 conventional and specialty television stations, podcasts, digital and e-commerce websites, and sporting events. Rogers Media delivers unique storytelling through its range of powerful brands: Citytv, OMNI Television, FX, TSC, KiSS, Frequency Podcast Network, Breakfast Television, Cityline, CityNews, Sportsnet – Canada’s #1 sports media brand, and the Blue Jays – Canada’s only Major League Baseball team. Rogers Media is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX, NYSE: RCI). Visit RogersMedia.com.