The Squiz suite of podcasts joins Acast network

The Squiz founder Claire Kimball

Acast has announced The Squiz podcast network will join its stable of podcast offerings, with the independent news provider bringing three separate offerings.

The network launched daily new podcast Squiz Today, in 2018 as Australia’s first short-form news podcast. It attracts over a million listens each month and carries premium advertisers including Commonwealth Bank, Uber and Bupa.

Its co-hosts Claire Kimball and Kate Watson added Squiz Shortcuts in 2019 as a weekly explainer series, before Bryce Corbett-hosted Squiz Kids launched in 2020.

All three podcasts will now but hosted and distributed by Acast.

“The Squiz was born from a love of news and our personal need for a quick, opinion-free and engaging look across what was happening in the world,” said Squiz founder Claire Kimball.

“Two-and-a-half years on, our podcasts continue to grow because they’re useful to anyone who needs a shortcut to be informed. We’re excited about partnering with Acast to continue our growth and work with even more brands.”

Episodes of The Squiz Today, Squiz Shortcuts and Squiz Kids are now available on Acast, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

“News content is at the forefront of Australia’s podcast listening boom,” Acast content boss Guy Scott-Wilson said. “The numbers continue to exceed all expectations as Aussies turn to trusted, independent news during what’s been a challenging and unpredictable year.

“We’re delighted to welcome The Squiz to Acast and look forward to helping the team grow and monetize their incredible network of content.”

Acast’s stable of Aussie podcasts include My Dad Wrote a Porno, Off Menu, Julia Gillard’s A Podcast of One’s Own, and Meshel Laurie’s Australian True Crime, plus international content from BBC, VICE and more.