American Public Television, the syndicator of public TV fixtures such as “Rick Steve’s Europe” and “America’s Test Kitchen,” is looking to break into the audio space. During the organization’s annual Fall Marketplace conference in Naples, FL this week, APT announced the formation of APT Podcast Studios.
The studio is currently in the research and development phase and is in negotiation for its first original podcast in the food and travel space, two genres that align with APT’s core content competencies. Beginning in 2023, the company says it will work to launch original podcasts and partner with existing ones.
“As platforms and technology continue to diversify, it is important for APT to mine new talent for public media, reach new audiences and help increase the success of current podcasts,” said Cynthia Fenneman, President and CEO of APT. “We aim to establish a voice and an expertise that provides added value for audiences and our content catalog.”
Public television is no stranger to podcasts, with PBS releasing some of its programs as podcasts, such as the PBS NewsHour and its documentary series PBS Frontline. But APT is looking to go beyond that by not only tapping its own shows but creating new ones – including from outside producers.