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Mercury Podcast Network says it is marking its first anniversary with a series of initiatives for independent podcasters, including the launch of a subscription service and a new recognition program.
Founder Liam Heffernan said the milestone reflects Mercury’s broader ambition beyond operating as a traditional podcast network. “For the last year, I kept telling people we were only just getting started, and I meant it,” Heffernan said. “Launching Mercury was always about more than a network; it was about creating an ecosystem that truly represented, supported and celebrated independent podcasters around the world.”
For the last year, I kept telling people we were only just getting started, and I meant it
Mercury Podcast Network Founder Liam Heffernan
Heroes of Indie Podcasting
Mercury has launched the Heroes of Indie Podcasting, an annual hall of fame recognizing individuals who have contributed to the growth of the independent podcasting sector. The first inductees are Arielle Nissenblatt, founder of the EarBuds Podcast Collective, and Emma Turner, co-founder of the Independent Podcast Awards. A third inductee will be announced in the coming weeks.
Nissenblatt said the recognition reflects the importance of mentorship and persistence in the indie space. “Ninety percent of the reason I’m here is because people were kind to me over the years and taught me about how they got to where they are,” she said. “And 10 percent of the reason I’m here is because I will never give up.”
Turner said she was surprised by the recognition. “The Independent Podcast Awards were launched to showcase the brilliant indie creators out there,” she said. “Each year our judges are always blown away by the fantastic talent on show.”
Orbit subscription service
Mercury has also launched Orbit, a subscription service open to independent podcasters and agencies. The company says the service provides hosting, monetization support, a members-only community and access to tools and resources.
Subscriptions start at $12 per month, plus a commission on advertising revenue. Heffernan said the model is designed to reduce barriers for creators. “By leveraging Mercury’s infrastructure and resources, we can break down some of the paywalls in our industry and give everyone an equal opportunity to stand out and succeed,” he said.
Mercury has announced a production partnership with Amplifi Collective, expanding its focus to freelance talent across development, production and distribution. Amplifi founder Taylor Cottrell said, “The future of audio depends on who gets access today. Amplifi is about widening that access, so we’re excited to be partnering with Mercury to scale that mission.”
New shows
Mercury has added Players Keep and Lexx Education to its roster. Players Keep said it was “beyond excited” to bring its Dungeons & Dragons content to podcast platforms, while Laura Lexx said joining Mercury would support future live shows and new content.
With the launch of Orbit, the Heroes of Indie Podcasting and new partnerships and shows, Mercury says it is positioning its second year around long-term support for independent podcast creators and freelancers.
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