Stitcher, the popular podcasting app and web service, is set to shut down on August 29th. The closure comes after SiriusXM acquired Stitcher in 2020 for $325 million. According to a FAQ on Stitcher’s website, the move is aimed at incorporating podcasts into SiriusXM’s flagship subscription business. Subscribers will be able to listen to podcasts within the SiriusXM app and can expect a new listening experience later this year.
Stitcher Studios and its Earwolf comedy network, known for producing podcasts, will continue their operations. However, the availability and accessibility of Stitcher’s premium content will be determined by the hosts and creators. To stay updated on the fate of individual shows, users are encouraged to follow their favorite podcast creators on social media.
Stitcher has been a popular platform for exclusive and cross-platform podcasts. Some of its original podcasts include “Freakonomics Radio,” “The Video Archives Podcast” with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, “LeVar Burton Reads,” and “Science Rules! With Bill Nye.” The app is known for its user-friendly navigation, extensive library, and discovery recommendations.
The company originally started as a startup focused on its listening app in 2008. In 2014, Deezer acquired Stitcher, but later sold it to Midroll Media in 2016. Finally, the parent company E.W. Scripps Company sold Stitcher to SiriusXM in 2020, only for the satellite radio provider to announce its closure this summer.
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As part of the shutdown process, Stitcher has turned off automatic renewal for paid subscriptions. Premium customers will receive a refund for their subscriptions. Existing subscribers do not need to take any action to cancel their subscriptions. Those with annual subscriptions scheduled to renew after August 29th will receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of their subscription.
This news of Stitcher’s closure comes as a disappointment to many podcast enthusiasts who have appreciated the platform’s features and content. However, the integration of podcasts into the SiriusXM app suggests that listeners may still have access to their favorite shows through an alternative platform.
SiriusXM’s focus on incorporating podcasts into its subscription business aligns with the growing popularity of podcasts and the increasing number of podcast listeners. By merging Stitcher’s offerings into its existing platform, SiriusXM aims to provide a comprehensive audio experience for its subscribers.
The shift towards incorporating podcasts into the SiriusXM app also reflects the changing habits of users who prefer to access multiple forms of media through a single platform. With the consolidation of services, subscribers can enjoy a seamless transition between music, podcasts, and other audio content.
While the closure of Stitcher may create uncertainty for some podcast creators and hosts, it also presents opportunities for them to explore other platforms and expand their reach. The recommendation to follow favorite podcast creators on social media indicates that the hosts themselves will have a say in the availability and accessibility of their shows.
As the podcasting industry continues to evolve and grow, it is essential for creators to adapt to changing platforms and distribution methods. While the closure of Stitcher may be a setback for some, it also serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the digital media landscape.
Overall, the shutdown of Stitcher is a significant development in the podcasting industry. As SiriusXM strives to integrate podcasts into its subscription business, users can look forward to a new listening experience later this year. While the fate of individual shows may vary, podcast enthusiasts can keep themselves informed by following their favorite creators on social media.
