Former Participant Media CEO Jim Berk has been named as the new CEO of Podcast One replacing company founder Norm Pattiz.
Pattiz, who previously founded syndicator Westwood One, will remain with the company as Executive Chairman. Berk spent eight years running the “socially relevant” film studio prior to his exit in April 2015. He also previously served as CEO for Hard Rock Cafe.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Berk had previously met with Podcast One while at Participant about investing in or buying the company. Podcast One instead sold a 30% share in the company to Hubbard Broadcasting.
Very telling about the burgeoning podcast industry is what Berk said about why he took this position as opposed to other options he had.
“I don’t care what the market is today, what drove my decision about this company is where this market is going.”