Shubham Sawarkar
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Stitcher, the renowned podcasting app and web service, is set to close its doors on August 29th. The decision comes after SiriusXM‘s acquisition of Stitcher in 2020 for a staggering $325 million. This strategic move aims to consolidate the podcasting experience within SiriusXM’s flagship subscription business. As Stitcher bids farewell, the focus shifts to an all-new listening experience for subscribers through the SiriusXM app, slated to be unveiled later this year. However, despite the closure, Stitcher Studios and the Earwolf comedy network will continue producing podcasts, albeit with potential changes in availability. In light of this transition, Stitcher encourages listeners to stay connected with their favorite podcast creators on social media for updates regarding individual shows.
Over the years, Stitcher has cultivated a devoted following by offering a diverse range of exclusive and cross-platform podcasts. The platform boasts an impressive lineup of original content, including popular shows like Freakonomics Radio, The Video Archives Podcast featuring Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, LeVar Burton Reads, and Science Rules! With Bill Nye, to name a few. Stitcher’s success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, extensive library, and personalized discovery recommendations, which have made it a go-to destination for podcast enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio content.
Stitcher’s journey began in 2008 as a promising startup, with a primary focus on developing a user-friendly listening app. In 2014, it was acquired by Deezer before being sold to Midroll Media just two years later. Finally, in 2020, the company found itself under the ownership of the E.W. Scripps Company, only to be swiftly acquired by SiriusXM. While this chain of acquisitions has undoubtedly played a role in shaping Stitcher’s trajectory, its latest acquisition by SiriusXM marks the end of an era for the popular podcasting platform.
To facilitate the transition, Stitcher has deactivated automatic subscription renewals, ensuring that existing subscribers won’t be billed further. For those who have active subscriptions, there is no need to take any action to cancel, as the process will be handled automatically. Moreover, customers with annual subscriptions set to renew after August 29th will receive prorated refunds for the unused portion of their subscription period. Detailed terms and conditions regarding refunds can be found on Stitcher’s website.
