Linda Cohn is bringing her new digital show to the Bleav podcast network. The longtime ESPN anchor will now expand her YouTube show to audio platforms.
What We Know: Cohn spent 34 years as an ESPN anchor, most notably on SportsCenter. In July, she launched an independent show on YouTube. Since then, she has gained more than 36,000 subscribers in just over two months. Now, the Bleav partnership will extend the show to Apple, Spotify, and other audio formats.
What They Said: Linda Cohn (via Front Office Sports): “With a network like that, I’m able to grow with leaps and bounds, and I plan to because I am all in on this because I’m just so excited about it. If I wasn’t getting the feedback that I have been from the people that have subscribed to my channel and from people on social media, [who are commenting], ‘This is great what you’re saying…’ then I would have thought twice about it.”
Linda Cohn (via Barrett Media In August): “This is something I want to build on as something I’ve created from the ground up… People are very busy, but they still want to hear what I have to say. Just like I was a part of their lives growing up watching on SportsCenter, they have welcomed me into their homes in this next chapter in the same way. That’s very gratifying to me.”
What Remains Unclear: However, neither Cohn nor Bleav disclosed financial terms of the partnership. If the partnership spins added elements for Cohn is also unknown.
What It Means: Ultimately, Cohn’s move highlights a growing path for former network talent. Instead of simply delivering the news, she now offers opinions on topics like the WNBA and ESPN layoffs and earning her own digital audience. Meanwhile, Bleav gains a recognizable voice with a built-in YouTube audience. As a result, Cohn’s second act away from ESPN now continues to grow in reach and scale.
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