ESPN Films and ESPN Audio are teaming up to produce 30 for 30 Podcasts – bringing high-quality sports storytelling to fans in audio form. The series will tell original stories in the likeness of the acclaimed 30 for 30 documentaries, made specifically with a narrative podcasting approach. The first season will launch in early 2017.
Individual episodes of 30 for 30 Podcasts will explore and report on various new sports stories and will feature a combination of original interviews and archival sound. The stories will be produced both in-house and in collaboration with outside reporters, documentarians, and ESPN talent. The effort is being led by Jody Avirgan (also of FiveThirtyEight podcasts) and a five-person production team is currently being assembled.
“Long-form podcast offerings from ESPN Audio have been popular thus far, and working with the ESPN Films team we will break new ground with deep reporting and high production values,” said Tom Ricks, vice president, digital strategy, ESPN Audio. “Sports fans and fans of our 30 for 30 documentaries will now have a new way to consume this compelling content.”
Added Libby Geist, vice president and executive producer, ESPN Films and Original Content: “ESPN Films has had an incredible run over the last eight years, including shorts and feature-length documentaries. Audio documentaries are an exciting extension of the 30 for 30 brand and we look forward to presenting our unique approach to storytelling in podcasting form. With this series, we hope to continue serving our fans on a new platform, but also introduce 30 for 30 to audio consumers.”
About ESPN Audio
ESPN Radio, the country’s largest sports radio network, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPNRadio.com, and ESPN Audio on Demand comprise ESPN Audio.
ESPN Radio, which launched January 1, 1992, provides more than 9,000 hours of talk and event content annually, reaching 20 million listeners a week on 500 nationwide stations, including more than 375 full-time affiliates and clearance in the top 25 markets. ESPN owns and/or operates stations in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. ESPN Radio programming is also available on SiriusXM and via digital distributors Apple Music, Slacker Radio and TuneIn.
About ESPN Films
ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy-Award winning 30 for 30 series and the documentary event “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and film festival appearances. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and the SEC Storied series.
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