Ian Walker joins LiSTNR podcasts team

LiSTNR’s General Manager Digital Audio, Grant Tothill has appointed one of Australia’s most experienced Podcast executives, Ian Walker, to the LiSTNR Original Podcasts team.

He is set to bring more documentaries and audio fiction to the LiSTNR platform.

Walker will work alongside Original Podcasts Head of Content, Jennifer Goggin, to develop and create new Factual and Scripted Podcasts to expand LiSTNR’s Real Crime slate, along with growing the scripted fiction genre for Australian and international audiences. The news comes in the same week as SCA and Network TEN stitched together a collaborative deal for podcasting.

Walker joins SCA from ABC Audio Studios, where he was instrumental in the rise of the national broadcaster’s in-house Podcast unit. During his seven-year period with the ABC he was the creative brain behind the development and production of more than a dozen new Podcasts across multiple genres.

Walker is best known for his award-winning, narrative non-fiction output, as creator and team leader of the ABC’s chart-topping and pioneering ‘Unravel True Crime.’

The podcast has achieved more than 11 million downloads over five seasons and spawned three companion TV documentary spinoffs.

Jennifer Goggin said: “We are so excited to have someone of Ian’s calibre and track record join our Original Podcasts team as we develop our slate for 2022.”

“Ian’s experience not only working with podcasts but in award-winning writing, directing, and producing will be incredibly valuable as we continue to launch new and original Australian storytelling for both Australian and international audiences.”

Commenting on his appointment, Walker said: “It’s a super exciting time to be joining LiSTNR where the energy and drive amongst the team is palpable and the vision and opportunities are clear.”

“We’re set on making a big splash in two of the most exciting podcast genres, serialised documentary, and audio fiction. The mission is to excite audiences and connect new listeners to the brand. I’m looking forward to bringing my track record, storytelling experience and network of outstanding content makers to help make LiSTNR the new market leader in quality audio storytelling.”

Walker’s appointment is effective January 10, 2022.