Locke sells podcast network

Tegna Inc., a publicly traded broadcast, digital media and marketing services company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and owner of 64 television stations across the U.S., has acquired the Locked On Podcast Network. The Locked On network was founded by Utah Jazz play-by-play voice David Locke and is based in Park City. Locked On produces daily shows for every team across the four major professional sports leagues, as well as more than 30 college sports programs.

“Locked On will expand Tegna’s presence in the quickly growing podcast market, joining digital content studio Vault Studios and stations’ podcasting efforts and build on Tegna’s overall sports footprint,” Tegna said in a release.

“With local stations in many of America’s largest professional and college sports markets, joining the Tegna family was a natural fit as we seek to grow our audience and expand our offerings,” said Locke. “We’re excited to begin our next phase as we work with Tegna on new innovations that will enhance our value with our loyal listeners and help us reach new sports fans across the country.”

“Local communities are at the heart of what we do and nothing brings communities together like local sports. That’s why we’re very pleased to welcome Locked On to Tegna,” said Dave Lougee, the company’s president and CEO. “We look forward to growing the Locked On network through collaboration with our local stations, including the potential for video simulcasts of shows and further increasing distribution, engagement and monetization of these fan favorite podcasts.”

Founded in 2016, Locked On produces 160 podcasts, providing in-depth coverage of every NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL team plus major college sports teams. Locked On publishes more than 600 podcast episodes each week, generating 8 million listens a month. Its podcasts were downloaded more than 80 million times in 2020. Locked On also produces league-wide daily podcasts for fantasy sports, sports betting, the NFL draft and national shows featuring industry writers, reporters and insiders.

Locked On announced in November 2019 that it raised $750,000 from investors including Bruce Gordon, former Disney Interactive Media Group CFO; podcast investor Podfund; and Utah-based private-equity firm Summit Capital.

Locked On will continue to operate as a standalone business within Tegna. Locke; Carl Weinstein, chief operating officer; and Locked On’s staff will join Tegna as part of the transaction. It is expected that current contributors will continue to provide content to Locked On.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.