Tegna acquires podcast company

Tysons-based broadcast and digital media company Tegna Inc. announced Thursday it has acquired Locked On Podcast Network, which covers local sports and the four major professional sports leagues.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the acquisition will expand Tegna’s podcast market presence. 

Locked On produces daily shows for the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL and 30 college sports programs and will continue to operate as a standalone business within Tegna.

“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,” Tegna President and CEO Dave Lougee said in a statement. 

Founded in 2016, Locked On produces 160 podcasts and publishes more than 600 podcast episodes each week. It has 8 million listens per month and its podcasts were downloaded more than 80 million times in 2020. Once part of McLean-based Gannett Co. Inc. (the nation’s largest newspaper publisher), Tegna owns 62 television stations and four radio stations in 51 markets and its programming reaches 41.7 million television households.

“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,” Locked On CEO David Locke said in a statement. “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.”

Locke and Chief Operating Officer Carl Weinstein will join Tegna as part of the transaction.

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