Podcast company Acast has announced that it will serve as the exclusive ad sales and distribution partner for Slate‘s podcast network, adding more than 1.5 million weekly listens to its platform.

According to the announcement, the deal gives Acast control over monetization for Slate’s portfolio, which includes “Political Gabfest,” “Slow Burn,” “What Next,” “Death, Sex & Money,” and “Amicus.” 

The partnership expands Acast’s roster of premium publishers, which includes The Athletic, TED, The Economist, and PBS Newshour. Acast will connect Slate’s content with advertisers in the U.S. and international markets.

Slate established its podcast network more than 20 years ago and has won recognition at the National Magazine Awards, Ambies, and Apple Podcasts “Show of the Year” in 2022. The company’s shows reach audiences through audio, YouTube, and live events, covering politics, news, business, technology, and culture.

“This partnership is a crucial step in scaling our podcast network while maintaining our unique editorial voice,” said Dan Check, CEO of Slate. “Acast’s focus on podcasting and their relationships with advertisers will help us unlock the full value of our audio content.”

A 2025 Acast report found that 72% of daily global podcast listeners say podcasts significantly shape cultural discourse. The report indicated listeners turn to podcasts during major breaking news events (29%) and political elections and debates (23%).

“We always say that podcasts are sought, not served to audiences,” said Greg Glenday, Acast CEO. “Partnering with a brand-safe, brand-friendly authority with such strong journalistic standards is a major win for Acast, our advertisers, and audiences.”

Acast reports a marketplace spanning more than 140,000 podcasts, 3,300 advertisers, and 1 billion quarterly listens.

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