Wondery Hires Spotify’s Chris Baughen As Wondery+ Launches In UK
25.04.2024 - 11:43
/ deadline.com
Podcast giant Wondery has hired Spotify‘s Chris Baughen, as it launches the paid-for Wondery+ service in the UK.
Baughen will be Head of Podcasts, Wondery UK, and report into Wondery’s Head of International Podcast Content, Jessica Radburn. Based on London, he will have strategic oversight of the podcast firm’s slate of UK originals and will work with local talent, producers and writers and diversify into new genres.
On Monday, April 29, Baughen will begin his new post, replacing Rich Knight, who recently left the company for BBC Studios.
He is currently Head of Studios UK and Ireland for Spotify, where he has worked on titles such as The Louis Theroux Podcast, Parenting Hell, JaackMaate and The Receipts. He was also Head of Podcast Production at UK audio firm Global and Managing Editor for the Global Player. At Global he created and commissioned shows such as My Therapist Ghosted Me, Hunting Ghislaine, The Wittering Whitehalls and Filthy Ritual.
Further back, he was VP for Content & Formats at Deezer and Managing Editor of Radio X.
“When it comes to compelling, engaging and immersive storytelling, Wondery are at the top of the tree,” said Baughen. “To say I’m excited to be joining this incredible team would be a massive understatement and I can’t wait to be part of the next chapter in their story.”
The news comes as Wondery launches its subscription Wondery+ service in the UK. It will cost £5.99 ($7.50) or £44.99 a year via the Wondery app or Apple Podcasts. The service is already offered in countries outside the U.S. including Germany, Brazil and Mexico.
The UK service will give subscribers early access to podcasts and over 45,000 episodes ad-free, including from Dr Death, Scamfluencers and Business Wars. Wondery’s