Fearne Cotton’s much-loved and hugely popular podcast, Happy Place, has signed to the Acast Creator Network.
Acast will host, distribute and monetise the celebrated broadcaster and best-selling author’s chart-topping podcast, which heads into its 11th series today.
The partnership will increase the reach of the podcast globally, with a key focus on the US market, and diversify revenue through premium ad products available through the Acast Marketplace — such as Sponsored Stories and branded content.
The exclusive partnership deal with Acast was delivered by YMU, the world’s leading integrated representation and management company.
Happy Place will also benefit from fan-supported revenue with Acast’s podcast subscriptions service Acast+ to help build on the devoted community Fearne has already built.
Fearne’s Happy Place is the most-listened-to wellness podcast in the UK, and one of this country’s biggest independent shows — consistently topping the podcast charts with more than 40 million total listens to date.
In recognition of her contribution to podcasting and efforts in opening up conversations around mental health, Fearne was named Podcast Champion — one of the highest accolades in podcasting — at this year’s British Podcast Awards.
Dawn French, Ian Wright, Hilary Clinton and Tom Daley are just a few of the individuals who have so far appeared on the show.
Fearne says: “Our commitment to growing the Happy Place podcast and reaching more people has never been more important, as so many people face loneliness and mental health problems. And we chose Acast for this exact reason — we want to reach as many people as we can, all around the world.
“Acast’s position at the heart of the open podcasting ecosystem, and its global footprint, will help us continue to grow the Happy Place brand worldwide, giving us the potential to engage with millions of brand-new listeners.”
Clarissa Pabi, Acast’s Senior Content Development Manager, UK said: “We are long-time fans of Happy Place, and of Fearne’s ability to make people feel seen and heard. Fearne is a true trailblazer in podcasting, and Happy Place perfectly illustrates the potential of podcasting to create a brand that adds real value to people’s lives.
“In partnership with YMU — with whom we have an aligned mission to discover and amplify new and established voices in podcasting — we’re looking forward to supercharging the show’s growth globally and monetising the brand on Fearne’s terms.”
Holly Bott, Managing Director, YMU Entertainment added: “Working with Acast signals the next evolution of the Happy Place podcast. Our mission, from day one, has been to connect with as wide an audience as possible and include them in enlightening, challenging and hopefully positive conversations.
“Acast’s ability to authentically connect with a global audience will only help us to achieve that goal quicker and more effectively, and so we look forward to welcoming new listeners.”
