Liberty Media-backed audio entertainment giant SiriusXM has unveiled an extensive new multi-year agreement with global podcast powerhouse Alex Cooper, host and executive producer behind top-ranking podcast Call Her Daddy. The deal, estimated to be worth between $100-125 million, includes a programming development strategy for exclusive content with SiriusXM, expected to roll out in 2025. It also brings SiriusXM exclusive advertising and distribution rights, content and events for Cooper’s flagship podcast, as well as content from her fast-growing Unwell Network.
Scott Greenstein, president, and chief content officer at SiriusXM, said: “Alex’s fearless, unfiltered approach, where no topic is off the table, has created a passionate and dedicated fanbase that is unmatched in podcasting and perfectly aligns with the content that SiriusXM subscribers have come to love and expect from us. SiriusXM is the perfect home for Alex to continue her amazing growth trajectory, with our unique ability to introduce her and her growing roster of standout talent to new listeners, as well as super-serve her core fans with new content.”
Cooper, who previously enjoyed a $60m partnership with Spotify, said she is “beyond excited to work with SiriusXM. The Daddy Gang (her passionate band of fans and listeners) will always be my top priority, and with SiriusXM we will continue to find new ways to evolve and provide my listeners the best experience.”
During her time working with Spotify, Cooper has grown Call Her Daddy into one of the world’s most popular podcasts. Recent guests include Jane Fonda, Post Malone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hailey Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Zayn, Janelle Monáe, Kim Petras, Shay Mitchell, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, popstar Anitta, Madison Beer, Lil Dicky, John Legend, Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine, and Chelsea Handler, among others.
Cooper has also launched media company Trending and its subsidiary Unwell Audio Network, described as “a platform for this generation’s unique voices that embrace social challenges and personal insecurities through honest conversation”.
Focused on areas such as pop-culture, beauty, fashion and lifestyle, Unwell Network has signed up creators and influencers who are working with Cooper and the Unwell team to develop multiplatform concepts and projects. Currently, The Unwell Network’s slate of shows includes Hot Mess with Alix Earle, Pretty Lonesome with Madeline Argy, Boyfriend Material with Harry Jowsey, and In Your Dreams with Owen Thiele.
SiriusXM has established itself as a major player in the podcast arena since its $3.5 billion acquisition of streaming service Pandora in 2019. Other high-profile partners in the SiriusXM fold include SmartLess Media, Ashley Flowers’ audiochuck and Crooked Media. Reaching a combined monthly audience of 150 million listeners SiriusXM is also behind shows such as Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and the Team Coco roster.
