In December 2015, The Wall Street Journal launched WSJ Podcasts, significantly expanding its digital news offerings and providing audiences with a new way to engage with their trusted journalism. This initiative introduced twelve distinct podcasts, bringing the Journal’s, Barron’s, and MarketWatch’s award-winning reporting directly to listeners in an easily accessible audio format.
WSJ Podcasts were designed to deliver essential information across various critical sectors, including markets, global affairs, and political developments. Listeners could tune in for concise briefings on technology, personal finance, and the day’s most important headlines. The initial lineup featured a mix of three daily podcasts for up-to-the-minute news and nine weekly shows that delved deeper into specific topics and leveraged popular columns, writers, and sections from across The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and Barron’s publications.
The distribution of WSJ Podcasts commenced on December 11, 2015, through a strategic partnership with Panoply, The Slate Group’s podcast network. This collaboration ensured broad reach and accessibility for the new audio content.
Listeners could readily access WSJ Podcasts through the dedicated section on WSJ.com (WSJ.com/podcasts). Furthermore, for added convenience and on-the-go listening, the podcasts became available for download on major platforms such as iTunes, Stitcher, Deezer, and SoundCloud. This multi-platform availability underscored the Journal’s commitment to meeting audiences where they are and providing news in the formats they prefer.
John Wordock, Executive Producer of WSJ Podcasts, emphasized the strategic rationale behind this launch: “WSJ Podcasts give voice to the Journal’s world class reporting, creating new opportunities for audiences to engage with our news, analysis and commentary.” This move into podcasting was seen as a natural evolution, allowing the Journal to extend its reach and deepen engagement with its sophisticated audience.
Trevor Fellows, Global Head of Advertising at The Wall Street Journal, also highlighted the advertising potential of this new platform. “Through WSJ Podcasts, advertisers can develop an even deeper relationship with our ambitious audience; the world’s most important decision makers,” he stated. The introduction of podcasts presented a valuable avenue for brands to connect with the Journal’s influential readership in a more intimate and engaging manner.
The inaugural WSJ Podcast lineup showcased the breadth and depth of the Journal’s journalistic expertise. Key podcasts introduced at launch included:
- What’s News: Delivering up-to-date briefings on critical business, economic, and political developments, mirroring the renowned Journal column and app of the same name.
- Tech News Briefing: Providing insights into the fast-paced world of technology, featuring expert analysis from WSJD and MarketWatch reporters.
- Your Money Matters: Hosted by Veronica Dagher, this podcast offered valuable perspectives on Wall Street, investment strategies, and personal finance trends to empower listeners in managing their wealth.
- Opinion: Potomac Watch: Led by Paul Gigot, editor of the WSJ editorial pages, this weekly roundtable provided lively discussions on pressing political issues.
- Opinion: Foreign Edition: Featuring Bret Stephens and Mary Kissel, this podcast tackled significant international issues and global affairs.
- Free for All with Jason Gay: Columnist Jason Gay brought his signature style to this podcast, covering sports, culture, and lighter topics from the Journal’s pages.
- Off Duty: Serving as a lifestyle guide, this podcast offered updates and insights on travel, culinary experiences, gadgets, style, and design.
- WSJ Speakeasy: Providing listeners with celebrity interviews and updates spanning movies, television, and the arts, curated by WSJ Speakeasy staffers.
- MoneyBeat: Hosted by Paul Vigna and Stephen Grocer, this podcast offered an engaging and accessible look at market dynamics and financial news.
- Heard on the Street: Leveraging the expertise of the Journal’s “Heard on the Street” team, this podcast delivered market news, insightful analysis, and financial commentary.
- MarketWatch Money, Markets & More: Catey Hill and Quentin Fottrell from MarketWatch provided consumer tips, personal finance guidance, and addressed millennial-specific financial questions.
- This Week with Barron’s: Highlighting key insights and articles from the latest edition of Barron’s Magazine, catering to investment-focused listeners.
The launch of WSJ Podcasts was part of a broader enhancement of The Wall Street Journal’s digital product suite, aligning with initiatives like “What’s News,” WSJ City, the fully responsive WSJ.com, updated apps for iOS and Android, and an Apple Watch application. This multi-faceted digital strategy underscored the Journal’s ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality journalism across diverse platforms.
About The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal, published by Dow Jones, stands as a preeminent global news organization renowned for delivering leading news, information, commentary, and analysis. With a distinguished heritage as the foremost source of global business and financial news, the Journal extends its comprehensive coverage to encompass U.S. and world news, politics, arts, culture, lifestyle, sports, and health. The Wall Street Journal’s commitment to journalistic excellence is underscored by its receipt of 36 Pulitzer Prizes.
