Podcast producer Renay Richardson and Sony Music have launched a new multi-genre podcasting joint venture called Broccoli Content, which will be focused on the development and distribution of original programming.
Richardson is a producer who has previously worked for 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 JV will develop a wide range of original scripted and unscripted podcasts under the leadership of Richardson and drive an expansion of opportunities for storytellers around the world.
The agreement marks Sony’s first podcasting production joint venture outside the US.
In addition, the Broccoli team will work closely with 4th 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.
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.
“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.”
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.”
“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.”
Renay Richardson
Richardson added: “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.”
“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.”
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.”Music Business Worldwide
