City Cast has named co-founder Andi McDaniel its new chief executive officer. She succeeds founder David Plotz, who is departing after six years leading the local media network.
What We Know: McDaniel will oversee City Cast’s next phase, including audience expansion, revenue growth and development across new platforms. Plotz leaves after building the company from a two-person startup into a 13-city network reaching 1.5 million people. Since launching in 2020, City Cast has expanded beyond daily podcasts and newsletters into video, live events and its paid Neighbors membership program. The company also recently established a 16-person newsroom for its Washington, D.C., operation. Additionally, the company posted its strongest revenue quarter recently, with most of its audience between 21 and 44. McDaniel previously served as chief creative officer and interim CEO. Before joining City Cast, she was chief content officer at WAMU, where she helped develop 1A and launched a podcast division.
What They Said: “Building City Cast has been the proudest achievement of my career. We’ve created something from nothing, growing from two employees to 122 and building a company that’s ambitious and experimental, with a culture that’s joyful and kind. Andi has been central to that work from the beginning, and she’s exactly the visionary leader City Cast needs for what comes next.” -City Cast co-founder David Plotz
“People care as much as ever about what’s happening where they live. They just want it delivered in a way that fits their lives. City Cast is showing that it’s possible to reach younger audiences with local news and information they care about and are willing to pay for.” -New City Cast CEO Andi McDaniel
What Remains Unclear: City Cast hasn’t outlined specific revenue targets or expansion plans under McDaniel’s leadership. Plotz’s next professional move also hasn’t been announced.
What It Means: McDaniel takes over as local media companies face declining traditional audiences and financial pressure. However, City Cast has demonstrated an ability to reach younger consumers through multiple platforms. Its recent revenue performance also gives McDaniel momentum as she looks to build on the company’s growth.
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