Stitcher, the popular podcasting app and web service, is set to shut down on August 29th, according to information provided on its website. The closure announcement seems to be part of a strategic move by parent company SiriusXM, which acquired Stitcher in 2020 for a hefty sum of $325 million. SiriusXM aims to integrate podcasts into its flagship subscription business and provide users with a new and enhanced listening experience within the SiriusXM app.
While Stitcher itself will be closing down, Stitcher Studios and the Earwolf comedy network will continue producing podcasts. However, the availability and accessibility of Stitcher’s premium content will be determined by the hosts and creators themselves. To stay informed about the fate of individual programs, Stitcher suggests following your favorite podcast creators on social media.
Stitcher has been a go-to platform for exclusive and cross-platform podcasts, hosting popular shows like Freakonomics Radio, The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, LeVar Burton Reads, and Science Rules! With Bill Nye, among others. The app has gained a reputation for its user-friendly interface, extensive library, and personalized recommendations for discovering new content.
The journey of Stitcher dates back to its beginnings as a startup in 2008, primarily focusing on its listening app. It was later acquired by Deezer in 2014 and then sold to Midroll Media two years later. Finally, in 2020, the parent company E.W. Scripps Company sold Stitcher to SiriusXM, which ultimately led to the decision to shut down the platform.
In light of the closure, Stitcher has ceased automatic renewal for paid subscriptions and outlined the refund process for premium customers. Existing subscribers do not need to take any action to cancel their subscriptions. Annual subscribers whose renewal dates fall after August 29th will receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of their subscription year.
