Proposals

8B Media: Open Call for Podcasts

Have an idea for a new podcast? 8B Media is launching an open call for podcast pitches. We’re looking for storytellers, producers and new talent from all backgrounds to join us in entertaining, educating, and enlightening people in new ways.

We’re ultimately looking for three to five new show ideas to develop into pilots and potentially full seasons of at least six episodes. If selected for a full season, 8B Media will also provide marketing and PR support, underwriting/sales and membership opportunities, and the opportunity to collaborate, cross-promote, and learn from other 8B Media podcast teams.

Launched in 2019, 8B Media is one of the newest podcast networks around. There are roughly 8 billion people in this world, and everyone’s got a story. Focusing on production value, we are building a network of narrative and interview-style podcasts that highlight the human experience: from the startup to the world traveler to the local to the taboo, with the goal of making the world a little smaller in an educational, entertaining, and enlightening way. At 8B Media, we plan to take on true crime, culture, sports, travel, pop culture, comedy, drama, mental health, startups, education, the arts and more.

For this open call, it’s not required that you have professional audio or media production experience (although that doesn’t hurt, either). We value ideas that stand out — ideas that will leave listeners engaged and wanting more, delivered by engaging hosts.

We are interested in a wide variety of concepts, hosts, styles and structures, but there are a few key traits we’re looking for in each pitch:

Pitch us a well-defined show that’s different from what’s already out there for podcast listeners.
Clearly define your show concept. You should be able to describe the overall concept of your show in a few sentences or less. Have your elevator pitch ready.
Do more than entertain. We look for podcasts that not only engage people but also provide a deep value to our audience.
Understand who your audience is, and why they’ll listen. Think about how your show might expand the diversity of podcasting and bring in new audience.
Think long-term. Can your show extend for at least a six-episode season? Does the concept have multi-season potential?

Take risks. Are you a writer who has never worked in audio? Maybe you’ve been producing news, but want to take on a longer project. Maybe you’ve never worked in media, but have the best idea for an interview show. Maybe you're an expert or a known personality in an area. Take a chance with us; we’re looking to build strong teams around strong talent. You don’t have to know how to do everything.

Submissions will be accepted from March 1st to April 30th. If your idea is selected for further consideration, producers from 8B Media will reach out with additional questions. 8B Media may enter into pilot production negotiations with finalists.

Please provide the following information to help us evaluate your podcast concept.

Name*

Email*

Phone Number

Podcast Working Title*

Brief Description (Elevator Pitch)*

Background & Experience: tell us about yourself and any relevant experience. If you have a team, please answer for them as well.

Host: who do you have in mind for a host, and what is the host's connection to the topic?

Target Audience(s): who is your intended audience? How do they hear about the show? What else do they listen to, watch, or read?

Show Structure: how will the show be structured? (e.g. narrative storytelling, interview-based). What are the different features the show might include?

Competition: what other podcasts does your show resemble? How is yours different?

Work Sample: provide a link to an example of your work (if you have one). This may be an early version of your concept or previous work. If you are proposing a host other than yourself, please provide a sample of their work, if possible.

Work Sample Description: describe your work sample and its relevance to the proposal.

By checking this box, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions as described in 8B Media’s Submission Policy.*

Submission Policy

To avoid any misunderstandings, please review the following 8B Media terms and conditions with respect to submission of any creative materials, concepts or ideas:

You are voluntarily submitting your material to 8B Media for consideration.
Your submission may be similar to or the same as ideas, concepts or materials received by 8B Media from various other sources and/or works being developed, produced or distributed by 8B Media. 8B Media has no obligation to you nor do you have any claim against 8B Media if your submission is the same as or similar to content owned or developed by 8B Media now or in the future.
8B Media has no obligation to review your submission or respond to you regarding your submission.
8B Media has no obligation to maintain confidentiality with respect to your submission and has no liability for any disclosure that may occur.
You confirm that your submission is original to you, does not infringe upon the rights (including copyright, right of privacy or publicity) of any individual, company or organization and is free from plagiarism. You indemnify 8B Media against any claim resulting from a breach by you of the foregoing statement.

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Proposals

8B Media: Open Call for Podcasts

Please provide the following information to help us evaluate your podcast concept.

Submission Policy