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Podcast companies Nearly and Placard Media merge

Melbourne-based podcast network Nearly and podcasting agency Placard Media have finalised a merger, with Nearly to fall under the Placard Media brand from February 19.

It comes just six months after the launch of Nearly, which was launched by former ABC development producer, Courtney Carthy.

Nearly was officially launched in August last year

The merger will see Nearly’s director Carthy join the Placard media leadership team, as chief creative officer.

Carthy will be responsible for content and talent at the dedicated podcasting agency, while Placard Media co-founders Andy Hayes and Andrew Shaw will continue in their roles of CEO and chief technology officer respectively.

Nearly director Carthy will join the Placard Media team as a result of the merger

The other founder of Nearly, Andrew Bellairs, will remain a minority shareholder and work as an advisor. Bellairs will have a 10% stake in the company while Placard Media will obtain 90%.

CEO Hayes said the company would help grow the Nearly network into one of the strongest podcasting networks, with the merger to allow this to occur seamlessly.

Placard media co-founder Hayes will lead the combined businesses

“We are thrilled to have Courtney and the Nearly podcast network as a part of Placard Media. His dedication and drive to over the last 12 months in the podcast space has been incredible and having him at Placard will only help us deliver even more quality to our clients,” Hayes said.

Nearly currently runs three podcasts, The Debrief with Dave O’Neil, 10 Questions with Adam Zwar and The Clappers by Karl Quinn and Andrew Young. There are another six shows already in production for release this year.

Carthy said combining the two businesses was the best strategy for brands, audiences and industry.

“Merging Nearly and Placard creates a one-stop-shop for future clients, reliable quality for audiences and hopefully a very positive contribution to the industry, both local and overseas.

“We’re able to experiment more, share what we learn and deliver better value through podcasts,” Carthy added.

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