Topline
Alex Cooper, the host of Spotify’s second-biggest podcast, “Call Her Daddy,” struck a deal with SiriusXM reportedly worth $100 million giving the broadcasting company exclusive advertising and distribution rights to the relationship and sex advice podcast that attracts high-profile celebrity guests.
“Call Her Daddy” was Spotify’s second-biggest podcast last year. (Photo by Antony Jones/Getty Images … [+]
Key Facts
SiriusXM will acquire the exclusive rights to advertising, distribution, content and events for “Call Her Daddy,” which the company said will take effect next year.
The multi-year deal also gives SiriusXM the rights to shows produced by the Unwell Network, a production company for podcasts Cooper founded last year, which includes “Hot Mess with Alix Earle” and “Pretty Lonesome with Madeline Argy.”
SiriusXM, which offers satellite radio and streaming subscription services, did not specify how the podcast will be distributed but said it will roll out “exclusive content” beginning next year, and episodes will be available ad-free to premium SiriusXM Podcasts+ subscribers.
“Call Her Daddy” ranked as Spotify’s second-biggest podcast of 2023, only behind “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and was the top podcast for women listeners.
“Call Her Daddy” also ranked as the fourth-biggest podcast across all platforms among U.S. listeners in the second quarter of 2024 according to Edison Research, behind Rogan, “Crime Junkie” and The New York Times’ “The Daily.”
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer, said the company will “super-serve her core fans with new content.”
Cooper ranked No. 12 on Forbes’ list of the top-earning creators of 2023, with estimated earnings of $20 million.
How Much Is Cooper’s Siriusxm Deal Worth?
Bloomberg reported the deal is worth $100 million, citing a person familiar with the agreement. SiriusXM did not disclose the value of Cooper’s deal. Previously, Cooper struck a $60 million deal with Spotify in 2021 that gave the streaming platform exclusive rights to “Call Her Daddy” for three years. Earlier this year, SiriusXM acquired the “SmartLess” podcast, hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes in a deal reported to be worth more than $100 million.
Crucial Quote
“I am beyond excited to work with SiriusXM. The Daddy Gang 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,” Cooper said.
Key Background
Cooper launched “Call Her Daddy” in 2018 with former co-host Sofia Franklyn, focusing on relationships and sex advice. The podcast rapidly grew in popularity and was acquired by Barstool Sports just one month after it launched, which Cooper said was because Barstool liked the podcast’s focus on “uncensored, real, female locker room talk.” Cooper and Franklyn later faced a contractual dispute with Barstool, leading to Franklyn’s departure from the show after she refused to agree to a new contract. “Call Her Daddy” became one of Spotify’s biggest podcasts after it switched platforms, and Cooper has attracted high-profile guests including Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Gwyneth Paltrow and Christina Aguilera.
Tangent
Cooper partnered with NBC to host a series of watch events for the Paris Olympics called “Watch with Alex Cooper.” Cooper also recorded content for “Call Her Daddy” from Paris this summer and interviewed 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles.
Further Reading
Forbes Top Creators 2023 (Forbes)
Joe Rogan Again Had Spotify’s No. 1 Podcast in 2023. Will He Reach a New Deal With the Streamer? (Variety)
Conor Murray is a reporter covering trends in entertainment and culture. He is based in Jersey City and joined Forbes in 2022. Murray has covered the messy rollout for Kanye West’s latest album, the Stanley water bottle craze and right-wing backlash against companies deemed “woke.” He previously covered billionaires with the Forbes wealth team and covered pop culture and TikTok trends for NBC News. He graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. Follow Murray for continued coverage of social media trends, celebrity controversies and the movie and music industries.
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