iHeartMedia plans to buy podcasting giant HowStuffWorks

Don't worry, your favorite podcasts will still be there.

Marrian Zhou Staff Reporter

Marrian Zhou is a Beijing-born Californian living in New York City. She joined CNET as a staff reporter upon graduation from Columbia Journalism School. When Marrian is not reporting, she is probably binge watching, playing saxophone or eating hot pot.

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Marrian Zhou

Sept. 13, 2018 11:38 a.m. PT

2 min read

Iheartradio — iHeartRadio operates under iHeartMedia.
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iHeartMedia is looking to boost its podcast network by buying the company behind popular shows like Stuff You Should Know and Atlanta Monster.

The US radio broadcaster on Thursday said it has agreed to acquire Stuff Media, which includes the HowStuffWorks podcasting business and other premium podcasts. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but The Wall Street Journal is reporting a value for the deal of $55 million.

The move comes as iHeart looks to boost its podcast division.

"While podcasting has already experienced tremendous growth, the real opportunity to bring the full potential of podcasts to the mainstream still lies ahead," said Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, in a release. "Stuff Media is the original trailblazer of the podcasting industry, and we've been impressed by its ability to grow a massive, loyal audience over the past decade, led by a strong, experienced and cohesive management team, who we welcome to iHeartMedia."

Stuff Media's CEO and president, Conal Byrne, will serve as the head of iHeartMedia's podcast division.

Stuff Media's podcasts will maintain their own brand and continue to be headquartered in Atlanta. HowStuffWorks has been making podcasts for more than 10 years and has found success with several popular shows, including Stuff You Should Know, Stuff You Missed in History Class, TechStuff and BrainStuff.

Stuff Media also recently partnered with iHeartMedia on the true crime podcast Atlanta Monster. iHeartMedia owns more than 800 broadcast radio stations in the US, and offers podcasts, on-demand radio and live streaming via it's digital music service iHeartRadio.

Update, 12:35 p.m. PT: Adds background on iHeartMedia.