Crime Junkie’s $150M Deal: Podcast Joins Tubi Media Group

Ashley Flowers’ Audiochuck, the media company behind the massively popular “Crime Junkie” podcast, has announced a significant multiyear partnership with Fox Corp.’s Tubi Media Group. This landmark deal, reportedly valued at $150 million, marks Audiochuck’s departure from its previous distribution and sales agreement with SiriusXM and represents Tubi’s first major foray into the podcasting landscape. The collaboration is set to expand the reach of Audiochuck’s extensive true-crime content, bringing it to new audiences through video formats and a dedicated streaming channel.

A New Chapter: Audiochuck Joins Tubi Media Group

The core of this multiyear agreement grants Tubi Media Group exclusive distribution and advertising sales rights for Audiochuck’s array of top-rated podcasts, including its flagship show, “Crime Junkie.” Beyond traditional audio, the partnership includes the development of a “Crime Junkie” FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) channel. This channel will be available across Tubi, Fox One, and various third-party streaming platforms, signifying a strategic move to blend audio and video content. Furthermore, an on-demand collection of video podcast episodes will be made accessible, allowing listeners to experience their favorite true-crime narratives in a new visual format.

A critical component of this deal involves Red Seat Ventures, part of Tubi Media Group, taking over the management of ad sales for all of Audiochuck’s programs and podcasts. This shift aims to leverage Tubi’s commercial expertise to further monetize Audiochuck’s substantial listener base.

The Exit from SiriusXM and Continued Availability

This new partnership with Tubi signifies Audiochuck’s exit from its previous distribution and sales pact with SiriusXM, an agreement originally signed in 2021 and slated to run through 2025. Despite this transition, “Crime Junkie” and Audiochuck’s other popular shows will continue to be available on major podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. This ensures that existing listeners can maintain access to their preferred content while new avenues for consumption are simultaneously introduced.

The Powerhouse Behind “Crime Junkie”: Audiochuck’s Growth and Impact

Founded in 2017 by Ashley Flowers, Audiochuck has rapidly grown into a prominent media company specializing in true crime and mystery storytelling. Its flagship podcast, “Crime Junkie,” co-hosted by Flowers and Brit Prawat, consistently ranks among the most popular podcasts globally, often holding the #1 spot in the true-crime category and frequently appearing as a top overall podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts. The Audiochuck network boasts more than 20 weekly and seasonal shows, including titles like “The Deck,” “So Supernatural,” “Dark Downeast,” and “Park Predators.” The company reports reaching over 10 million monthly listeners, with individual episodes attracting approximately 2 million listens.

Earlier this year, Audiochuck secured its first outside capital, receiving $40 million in funding from Peter Chernin’s The Chernin Group, which valued the Indianapolis-based company at approximately $250 million. Ashley Flowers retains majority ownership and control of Audiochuck. The success of “Crime Junkie” is supported by a dedicated team of over 20 full-time writers, fact-checkers, researchers, and editors who actively investigate and report on numerous cases concurrently.

A Strategic Partnership: Industry Perspectives

Paul Cheesbrough, CEO of Tubi Media Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Ashley and her team have built a truly unique and premium media company with a strong commitment to meaningful, award-winning storytelling that carries positive social impact.” He emphasized Tubi’s excitement to collaborate in the continued evolution and growth of Audiochuck’s business.

Ashley Flowers, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Audiochuck, highlighted the innovative nature of the collaboration. “This first-of-its-kind partnership represents the next evolution of what independent media can achieve,” Flowers noted. She articulated that joining forces with Tubi is not merely about expanding reach but about redefining how true crime stories are experienced across both audio and video, while upholding Audiochuck’s purpose and integrity. Matt Starker, CEO of Audiochuck, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity to “reimagine how true crime stories are told across both audio and video” and his belief in Tubi Media Group’s creator-led media vision.

Beyond the Mic: Audiochuck’s Commitment to Impact

Audiochuck has consistently demonstrated a commitment to social impact beyond its storytelling. The company has led fundraising efforts resulting in over $8.5 million in donations to local communities and organizations assisting those affected by crime. Notably, the Audiochuck community has contributed to the resolution of six cold cases. In 2020, Ashley Flowers established the non-profit organization Season of Justice, dedicated to providing funding to investigative agencies and families to aid in solving cold cases. This initiative has assisted in 152 cases.

Looking Ahead: New Content and Future Endeavors

As Audiochuck embarks on this new partnership, it continues to innovate its content offerings. The company is set to launch its latest podcast, “Chameleon,” in November. Produced in collaboration with Campside Media, “Chameleon” will explore the intriguing world of individuals who pretend to be someone they are not, delving into stories of scammers, con artists, and other deceptive figures. This new show underscores Audiochuck’s ongoing expansion within the true-crime and mystery genre.

Conclusion

The $150 million multiyear pact between Ashley Flowers’ Audiochuck and Fox Corp.’s Tubi Media Group signifies a pivotal moment in the podcasting and streaming industries. For Audiochuck, it represents a significant expansion of its reach and a diversification of its content delivery into video, while reaffirming its position as a leader in true-crime storytelling. For Tubi, it marks a substantial entry into the podcast market, leveraging a proven content library and a highly engaged audience. This collaboration highlights the evolving landscape of digital media, where traditional boundaries between audio and video content continue to blur, opening new avenues for creators and consumers alike.