UK-based Broccoli Content to Drive Continued Expansion of Original Podcast Content for Global Audiences

NEW YORK – October 24, 2019 – Award-winning podcast producer Renay Richardson and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of a new multi-genre podcasting joint venture focused on the development and distribution of original programming. Richardson is a producer who has previously worked for leading podcast platforms including Acast, Audible and Panoply and a successful independent podcast creator whose credits include About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge and The Receipts on 1xtra from BBC Radio 1Xtra.

The London-based joint venture, called Broccoli Content, will develop a wide range of original scripted and unscripted podcasts under the leadership of Richardson and drive an expansion of opportunities for unique storytellers around the world to broadly connect with listeners. The agreement further increases Sony Music’s support of the global podcast community and marks its first podcasting production joint venture outside the US.

Commenting on the deal, Richardson stated, “I love how it is possible to carve out your own space in podcasting and that the team at Sony Music shares my vision for building Broccoli Content as a place where passionate people with dynamite ideas can find a way into the industry and succeed. Together we will collaborate to create exciting podcasts from many types of voices and perspectives, and help them find audiences all over the world.”

Kevin Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer, Sony Music Entertainment said, “Renay Richardson is an accomplished producer of thought-provoking, smart and engaging podcast content and we are thrilled to be working with her in this creator-first partnership. Our work together will expand Broccoli’s presence around the world and help its podcasters further grow their commercial and creative reach.”

In addition, the Broccoli team will work closely with 4^th Floor Creative – Sony Music UK’s creative division comprising of Brand Partnerships, Content, Creative, Sync, Podcasting, and Digital and Audience Development – to explore a range of podcasting opportunities originating in the UK market, supporting Sony Music artists and podcasting talent.

Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said, “We are constantly looking to expand our creative offering. Podcasting has become a major force in our culture, so investing in award-winning innovators like Renay, is a natural move and a priority for us.”

Beginning her podcast career at Acast in 2014, Richardson was the first content manager in the company’s London office, helping acquire some of the platform’s biggest shows including Scroobius Pip’s Distraction Pieces Podcast, Adam Buxton’s Podcast and Arsecast (The Arsenal Podcast).  Moving into production, Richardson developed fashion retailer ASOS’ first podcast My Big Idea and their second These Four Walls before moving to Audible to work in the Original Content team and then onto Brooklyn based Panoply. In 2018, Richardson embarked on a freelance career producing shows both independently and for brands such as Spotify and Pearson, including The Receipts on 1xtra and About Race. She founded Broccoli Content in the summer of 2018 in response to the lack of opportunities both in front of, and behind, the mic for minority talent.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Records, Arista Nashville, Beach Street Records, Black Butter Records, BPG Music, Bystorm Entertainment, Century Media, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Descendant Records, Disruptor Records, District 18 Entertainment, Epic Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, House of Iona Records, Insanity Records, Keep Cool, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Masterworks Broadway, Ministry of Sound Recordings, Monument Records, OKeh, Palm Tree Records, Polo Grounds Music, Portrait, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records Relentless Records, Reunion Records, Same Plate Entertainment, Six Course Music Group, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music, Verity Records and Visionary Records. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.