Audity announces partnership with Spotify

Audity, the audio company under the Asylum Entertainment Group (AEG) banner, today announced a production partnership with Spotify, the world’s leading audio subscription streaming platform, as well as the appointment of veteran executive Frank Hajdu as Executive Vice President of Audity.

Under the deal, Audity will produce podcasts and audio-forward content across all scripted and unscripted genres for Spotify’s global audience. Launched last year, Audity is dedicated to cultivating communities where passionate storytellers can connect their voices, perspectives and stories directly to their followers and the broader audio universe.

In his new role, Hajdu will be responsible for building the company’s content slate, business operations, and key partnerships, while also working with Asylum video producers to upstream select audio IP for television and film. An audio and digital veteran, Hajdu was previously Executive Vice President of Operations for Legendary Digital Networks where he oversaw The Nerdist Podcast Network (NPN), a roster of 40+ podcasts that collectively saw 10-12 million monthly streams. Among the list of podcasts and talent for NPN included The Nerdist Podcast with Chris Hardwick, You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes and The Indoor Kids with Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. Additionally, he executed video distribution partnerships with Amazon, Facebook, Pluto TV and VRV. Prior, he served as Vice President of Business Development for MySpace Music and A&R at Warner Music Group.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Audity and AEG to bring their podcasts and projects to Spotify’s global audience around the world,” said Liz Gateley, Head of Creative Development, Spotify Studios. “We are already advancing some truly unique projects with Audity across a variety of genres and verticals.”

Steve Michaels, Chief Executive Officer of AEG, added: “Partnering with a leading streaming platform like Spotify guarantees our partners the unique opportunity to tap into a global platform and build an audience immediately. With that kind of instantaneous visibility, they have the chance to create the momentum needed to reach their goals quicker and more efficiently.”

“Frank’s success in building The Nerdist Podcast Network positions him directly to help oversee Audity’s growth,” said Ryann Lauckner, President and Chief Strategy Office for Asylum Entertainment Group. “It’s the same targeted approach to nurturing communities and curated partnerships, all designed to provide a home for audio-forward storytellers to reach their unique audience.”

An incubator and accelerator focused on building creative companies and partnerships across the content spectrum, AEG most recently launched Clovis Entertainment, a scripted television company whose financial model makes key project creatives more meaningful stakeholders, and established a London office, appointing veteran executive Ronan Hand as Senior Vice President of Global Content.

ABOUT AUDITY

Audity is the third company under the Asylum Entertainment Group (AEG) banner. Audity partners with celebrities, influencers, and passionate storytellers to bring their voices, perspectives and stories to their followers and the broader audio universe. Audity focuses on equitable financial partnerships and creative collaboration as well as streamlined operations, from development through delivery, all designed to help partners produce their projects and scale them for success. Audity’s current verticals include a podcast division devoted to producing across a wide array of genres, including variety, music, sports, crime, lifestyle, and scripted audio plays. Other divisions will target film and television adaptation, touring/experiential events, and educational/cultural content. AEG’s other companies include Clovis Entertainment and The Content Group.