Unlocking Monetization for Digital Publishers & Podcast Networks — Jen Sargent (COO, Wondery)

Jen Sargent is the COO of Wondery, the podcast network behind hits like Dr. Death, Gladiator, and Business Wars. Prior to Wondery, Jen worked in investment banking at J.P. Morgan and venture capital at Bertelsmann in addition to gaining experience as an operator through her time at DoubleClick and Reed Business Information. She took the entrepreneurial leap in 2008, co-founding the digital media company HitFix, which was acquired by Uproxx in 2016.

In this episode, we discuss a number of challenges facing digital publishers, particularly the need to diversify their revenue streams and improve their unit economics. At the same time, publishers must compete fiercely for audience attention, as YouTube, Facebook, and Amazon largely monopolize content consumption and thus ad dollars. Podcasting, on the other hand, is still relatively new territory, presenting an opportunity to test and develop IP that can then be translated to other platforms. Finally, Jen shares her 2019 predictions, mentions both the need and opportunity to create content for minority audiences, and cautions entrepreneurs against building a business that is wholly dependent on a single platform.

Host: James Creech

ABOUT THE SHOW
All Things Video is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the past and charting the future of the online video ecosystem. Listen to interviews with founders, executives, and thought leaders from the world’s leading media companies and engage in thought-provoking debates about the issues shaping the next generation of entertainment. From the short-form content revolution to the fragmentation of video viewership in an always-on world, All Things Video reveals the key trends and insights from the world of digital media.

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ABOUT THE HOST
James Creech is an entrepreneur focused on technology, online video, and digital media. He is the Co-Founder & CEO of Paladin, the essential influencer marketing platform for media companies, agencies, and brands.

OUR SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Toonstar, an animation tech startup that produces snackable, interactive content experiences for mobile audiences. To learn more, visit toonstar.com or download the app.

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All Things Video