Public Radio International® Partners With Slate to Expand Podcast Development & Digital Distribution for Studio 360

New production partnership will extend robust radio program into podcast enterprise

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Jun 28, 2017, 17:20 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Public Radio International^® announced it is forging a new production partnership with Slate Magazine to expand podcast development and digital distribution of Studio 360, the Peabody Award-winning radio show and podcast about creativity, pop culture, the arts, and ideas. In partnering with Slate's digital-native podcasting network, PRI aligns with the premier leader in culture and news podcast production, bridging the success of the pioneering radio program into a new podcast era.

"Now more than ever, arts and culture are critically important to establishing an understanding of our complicated world," said Melinda Ward, Chief Content Officer of PRI. "Our partnership with Slate will allow us to bring Studio 360 to more listeners across radio broadcast, digital, and podcast platforms. We're thrilled to build on the success of the radio program, and help it realize its full potential as a podcast."

Launched in 2000, PRI developed Studio 360 as public radio's smart and surprising guide to what's happening in pop culture and the arts. Hosted by novelist and journalist Kurt Andersen, the weekly series focuses on contemporary arts and culture, ranging from music, movies, and books to theater, dance, and visual arts to video games and digital art forms. Episodes have included interviews with artists such as actress Lily Tomlin, writer/director Jordan Peele, actor Nick Offerman, singer/songwriter Neil Young, and Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith.

Andersen and Studio 360 staff will be housed at Slate's headquarters in Brooklyn, where they will work together with Slate on the production, distribution, and promotion of the radio program and podcast. Studio 360 will continue to air on 214 radio stations across the U.S.

"I became a Slate fan as soon as they launched, and an occasional contributor shortly thereafter. I couldn't be more excited about this evolution of Studio 360 and what we'll be able to create as partners," said Andersen.

"Studio 360 is a perfect addition to Slate's stable of podcasts," said Julia Turner, editor-in-chief of Slate. "We're always looking to partner with smart voices and we're eager to help Studio 360 find and amplify its digital-first voice."

Studio 360 had previously been a co-production of PRI and WNYC radio. During the 18-year partnership, Studio 360 grew to an audience of almost 600,000 weekly listeners on over 200 public radio stations nationwide, with additional listeners through podcasts and on-line.

"When Studio 360 was created, the broad conversation about culture was waning on public radio," said Dean Cappello, Chief Content Officer, WNYC. "But Kurt and the entire crew of people who've worked to produce the show at WNYC took on the challenge of making reporting and conversation about culture, art, and expression dynamic and relevant. WNYC has been very proud to be the show's home base for nearly two decades, and listeners will continue to hear Kurt and the show on WNYC in New York."

PRI and WNYC will continue to co-produce their daily news program, The Takeaway.

About PRI: PRI is building a more informed, empathetic, and connected world by creating multi-platform content that empowers people to benefit their lives and the world. PRI's award-winning content reaches more than 20 million people each month, through over 900 public radio stations in the U.S. and PRI.org, and millions more through podcasts and social media. An affiliated company of WGBH, PRI produces PRI's The World^®, The Takeaway (a co-production with WNYC), and Studio 360^® from PRI and Slate. It produces in-depth reporting on topics including gender equity (Across Women's Lives), international security, and American identity and immigrant life (GlobalNation). It represents public radio programs including Science Friday, q from the CBC and The Tavis Smiley Show. Major philanthropic supporters include The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Ford Foundation, The Henry Luce Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Annenberg Foundation.

About Slate: Slate is a daily magazine online that offers analysis and commentary about news, politics, culture, business, law, and technology. Slate's strong editorial voice and witty take on current events have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence Online and the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism. Slate has been making podcasts since the birth of the medium, for over a decade. Its first shows, the Political Gabfest and the Culture Gabfest, have been favorites since 2005, and continue to broadcast live across the country, and even internationally. Besides the flagship Gabfests, Slate is known for The Gist, Trumpcast, Mom and Dad and Fighting, Amicus, and Hang Up and Listen. Reaching 27 million unique visitors per month, Slate is part of The Slate Group, and a division of Graham Holdings Company. For more information about Slate, visit www.slate.com.