ESPN and Good Karma Brands have entered a new era of their relationship. The network is turning all sales and sales operations for its audio products and live events over to Good Karma. GKB President Steve Politiziner will oversee the effort.
“This partnership reaffirms ESPN’s commitment to audio while endorsing KB as a trusted operating partner and primary sales representative across multiple platforms – audio, digital, and events,” Good Karma founder and CEO Craig Karmazin said in a memo to his staff. “Our relationship with ESPN began over 20 years ago with KB’s affiliate relationship with ESPN through our radio stations and has grown to encompass Florida-based bowl games with ESPN Events, ESPN’s digital assets, and our recent purchases of their largest market radio stations. We are thrilled to now lead sales for ESPN Radio and ESPN Podcasts connecting advertising partners with passionate sports fans across the country.”
Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Executive Editor & Head of Event and Studio Production, re-affirmed the network’s commitment to audio. ESPN will continue to lead content, distribution and marketing efforts internally.
He added that from a sales perspective, the goals of ESPN and Good Karma Brands are perfectly aligned. The two companies have a relationship that dates back to 1997.
“ESPN has been leading and innovating in the audio space for over 30 years with our national radio lineup as well as our live event schedule with over 300 signature events annually and always-expanding podcast library,” he said. “This latest iteration of our long-standing partnership with Good Karma Brands reinforces our commitment and ability to further grow the business.”
The new iteration of the relationship expands what the two companies have in New York and LA to the entire radio network. It could certainly open up plenty of future opportunities for Good Karma to have conversations about ESPN Radio programming. For now, though, that doesn’t appear to be on the table.
