Cineverse Expands Podcast Biz With Launch of Comedy-Themed WITZ Podcast Network
March 6, 2025
Cineverse has entered into a partnership with The Sand Group to maximize distribution platforms, sponsorships, and programmatic demand for audio podcasts, including the launch of the WITZ Podcast Network – a new comedy label operated through the Cineverse Podcast Network.
The partnership, announced ahead of the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, which is taking place March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, also includes the creation of a development slate for the companies to build new IP together through podcasts and live entertainment.
After launching the WITZ Comedy-TV FAST channel and digital content library in 2022 with partners Best Ever Channels (BEC), The Stand Group is now expanding its reach through podcast creation and distribution.
The Stand’s comedy associations include Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Nate Bargatze, T.J. Miller, Sam Jay, Janeane Garofalo, Laurie Kilmartin, Andrew Dice Clay, Shane Gillis, Bill Burr, Sal Vulcano, Jim Gaffigan, Ramy Youssef, Bonnie McFarlane, Rich Vos, Ian Lara, Tim Dillon, Marcello Hernandez, Nikki Glaser, Mark Normand, Ralph Barbosa, Hannah Berner, Cipha Sounds, Aida Rodriguez, Derek Gaines, and Sienna Hubert-Ross, among others.
“Together we will maximize marketing, promotional and sales initiatives for shows we bring into the network for new creators and original IP,” said BEC co-CEO Barry Gordon.
The pact marks a significant expansion of Cineverse’s audio business into comedy, after bowing as a podcast network driven by its horror, true crime and entertainment content.
In addition to launching the WITZ Podcast Network, Cineverse will market its upcoming summer theatrical release, a remake of the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage. The kick-off event will feature appearances by comedians, podcast talent, musicians and stars from the upcoming film
“Not only does partnering with comedy leaders like The Stand Group/WITZ make us instantly credible in a genre that has proven itself time and time again as a major force in podcasting, but it also allows us to move quickly into this space,” said Erick Opeka, Cineverse president and chief strategy officer.
The partnership, announced ahead of the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, which is taking place March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, also includes the creation of a development slate for the companies to build new IP together through podcasts and live entertainment.
After launching the WITZ Comedy-TV FAST channel and digital content library in 2022 with partners Best Ever Channels (BEC), The Stand Group is now expanding its reach through podcast creation and distribution.
The Stand’s comedy associations include Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Nate Bargatze, T.J. Miller, Sam Jay, Janeane Garofalo, Laurie Kilmartin, Andrew Dice Clay, Shane Gillis, Bill Burr, Sal Vulcano, Jim Gaffigan, Ramy Youssef, Bonnie McFarlane, Rich Vos, Ian Lara, Tim Dillon, Marcello Hernandez, Nikki Glaser, Mark Normand, Ralph Barbosa, Hannah Berner, Cipha Sounds, Aida Rodriguez, Derek Gaines, and Sienna Hubert-Ross, among others.
“Together we will maximize marketing, promotional and sales initiatives for shows we bring into the network for new creators and original IP,” said BEC co-CEO Barry Gordon.
The pact marks a significant expansion of Cineverse’s audio business into comedy, after bowing as a podcast network driven by its horror, true crime and entertainment content.
In addition to launching the WITZ Podcast Network, Cineverse will market its upcoming summer theatrical release, a remake of the cult classic The Toxic Avenger, directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage. The kick-off event will feature appearances by comedians, podcast talent, musicians and stars from the upcoming film
“Not only does partnering with comedy leaders like The Stand Group/WITZ make us instantly credible in a genre that has proven itself time and time again as a major force in podcasting, but it also allows us to move quickly into this space,” said Erick Opeka, Cineverse president and chief strategy officer.