Sony Music Entertainment (SME)'s Global Podcast division has acquired podcast production company Neon Hum Media.
Based in Los Angeles Neon sound describes itself as a boutique podcast production company that works with its partners to develop “rich, hand-crafted, cinematic audio products.”
Independent producer, reporter and sound designer Jonathan Hirsch launched Neon Hum in 2018, producing documentaries, talk shows and partner content. The company's customers include: Crunchyroll, Discover, HBO Max, NBC News, Wall Street Journaland others.
A recipient of the Green Eyeshade, Edward R. Murrow, and duPont Awards, Hirsch himself has produced hundreds of long-form sound works for NPR, Vox, NBC, Fusion Media Group, and more. His seven-part documentary podcast series Dear Franklin Jones debuted at #1 on the iTunes podcast chart.
After the agreement with Sony Music, Hirsch takes on the role of Vice President, Worldwide Podcasts and US Chief Creative Officer. He will oversee the US creative department and report directly to Steve AckermanExecutive Vice President and Global Head of Podcasts at Sony Music.
The acquisition brings Neon Hum's production expertise under the Sony Music umbrella. This will allow Sony Music to further develop podcasts for its subscription service, The drunk, while strengthening its existing content slate. Additionally, Sony Music plans to leverage Neon Hum's capabilities to expand its rental services beyond audio production for branded podcasts and clients.
“We have worked closely with Jonathan and the team at Neon Hum for several years now and appreciate his creative vision and strategy for creating our successful premium true crime shows. I am always present.”
Steve AckermanSony Music Entertainment
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Sony Music's purchase of Neon Hum comes more than four years after the company made strategic investments in Neon Hum. The partnership has led to the launch of inclusive programs Dinner with me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson and multiple seasons of true crime series smoke screen, including current visits My runaway father.
“We have worked closely with Jonathan and the team at Neon Hum for several years now and appreciate his strategic and creative vision for creating premium true crime shows,” said Ackerman. our success and always being on the charts.”
“This move allows us to maximize Neon Hum's creative and production input as we further grow our slate of original and consumer programming.”
“Neon Hum and Sony Music have always had our sound-first perspective and approach. I am excited about the next steps as the Neon Hum team becomes a full part of Sony Music Podcasts and we continue to produce premium audio content.”
Jonathan Hirsch, Sony Music Entertainment
Hirsch also commented on the deal: “Neon Hum and Sony Music have always been aligned in our audio-first mentality and approach.
“I'm excited about the next steps as the Neon Hum team becomes a full part of Sony Music Podcasts and we continue to produce premium audio content.”
The move marks Sony Music's latest move to bolster its podcast following game Appointing a team of senior leaders to promote the expansion of podcasting in December 2019.
SME first ventured into podcasting in May 2019 when Sign a joint venture with podcast developers Adam Davidson And Laura Mayer to “find and develop original podcast programming and talent.”
Among JV's first launches were podcasts investigate in the case of Jeffrey Epsteintitled Corrupted: Jeffrey Epstein.
SME also collaborates with comedy and satirical news brands onion in 2019 to develop original podcast content and with podcast producers Renay Richardson for a multi-genre podcasting venture called Broccoli Content.
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