LiSTNR general manager, digital audio, Grant Tothill has announced the appointment of Ian Walker as senior executive producer, factual and scripted podcasts.
He will work alongside original podcasts head of content, Jennifer Goggin, to develop and create new factual and scripted podcasts.
Walker joins from ABC Audio Studios, where during a seven-year period, he was behind the development and production of more than a dozen new Podcasts across multiple genres.
Walker is known as creator and team leader of the ABC’s Unravel True Crime. The podcast has achieved more than 11 million downloads over five seasons and spawned three companion TV documentary spinoffs.
Beginning his media career as a newsreader at triple j, Walker moved into investigative radio journalism. He is known in the TV documentary sector for his work as a director, producer, executive producer, and development producer having helped deliver dozens of hours of network television for various commercial production houses. He has won awards for his television documentary writing and directing.
Original podcasts head of content, 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.”
Walker said of his appointment: “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.