The term “podcast” has evolved from its original definition as a series of content distributed via an open standard. Now, SiriusXM, the satellite radio company, has launched SiriusXM Podcasts+, a subscription service available within Apple Podcasts.
For a monthly fee of $6 or an annual fee of $45, users can enjoy ad-free episodes from podcasts like SmartLess, Freakonomics Radio Network, and select shows from the Last Podcast Network. While these podcasts are accessible on other platforms, SiriusXM Podcasts+ offers additional perks. Subscribers receive bonus content and early access to new episodes. SiriusXM also plans to offer some of these benefits to its subscribers within the SiriusXM app.
Furthermore, the service leverages Apple’s proprietary podcast app to provide easy transcriptions of the shows. Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer at SiriusXM, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the company’s reach with SiriusXM Podcasts+. He stated that the service allows them to connect with new listeners, provide more value to podcast creators, and enhance the premium content within the SiriusXM app.
The Apple Podcasts app is accessible across Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV 4K. In essence, SiriusXM Podcasts+ offers an ad-free podcast experience with bonus content and early releases, for a fee, exclusively within Apple’s podcast app. While this approach might deviate from the original vision of podcasting, it reflects the natural progression of the medium.
