In a groundbreaking move, the renowned British podcast The Rest Is History is set to transition from audio to visual media. The collaboration between Wheelhouse and Goalhanger, the UK’s leading independent podcast production company, aims to develop unscripted television projects inspired by the podcast’s extensive library. This partnership brings together two industry giants to create content that promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of historical insight and entertainment. With over 600 episodes already under its belt, The Rest Is History has garnered a massive following, particularly among younger generations. Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this podcast has not only achieved global success but also spawned best-selling books and sold-out live tours. The upcoming television adaptation is poised to introduce this engaging historical narrative to an even broader audience.
The Rest Is History, launched in 2020, quickly became a sensation, earning accolades as the world's most popular history podcast. Its hosts, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, have transformed from esteemed historians into pop culture icons, captivating millions of listeners each month. The podcast's appeal lies in its ability to make history both accessible and entertaining, blending deep knowledge with irreverent humor. Episodes delve into a wide array of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern political figures, ensuring there's something for everyone. The show's success has been remarkable, consistently ranking high on global charts and attracting notable fans such as Conan O’Brien and Rachel Maddow. Each episode, averaging 50 minutes, offers a comprehensive yet digestible exploration of historical events, making it a favorite among Gen-Z and Millennials.
The collaboration between Wheelhouse and Goalhanger represents a strategic alliance aimed at expanding the reach of The Rest Is History. Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse and creator of Pawn Stars, highlighted the podcast's exceptional popularity and the hosts' dynamic rapport as key factors driving this venture. He emphasized that this partnership aligns with Wheelhouse's mission to bridge the gap between the creator economy and legacy media. Tony Pastor, Co-Founder of Goalhanger, echoed these sentiments, noting the global demand for intelligent and entertaining storytelling. The recent U.S. tour further solidified the hosts' status as "rockstars of history," demonstrating their ability to engage live audiences. Together, Wheelhouse and Goalhanger aim to bring the rich narratives of The Rest Is History to life on television, ensuring they remain unforgettable for both existing and new viewers.
The television adaptation of The Rest Is History marks a significant milestone for the podcast. By leveraging the expertise of Wheelhouse and Goalhanger, this project seeks to elevate the podcast's engaging format to a new medium. The hosts, Holland and Sandbrook, expressed excitement about the opportunity to visualize historical figures and events in stunning detail. This initiative promises to introduce the podcast's beloved stories to an expanded audience, showcasing the elements that have made it so successful. As the project moves forward, fans can look forward to an immersive experience that combines the best of both worlds—history and entertainment.
In a significant development for the media and advertising sectors, several leading European organizations have united to form the Audience Measurement Coalition (AMC). This new coalition aims to address policy matters related to audience measurement in light of the European Media Freedom Act, which became effective on May 7th, 2024, with full implementation set for August 8th, 2025. The AMC will serve as a representative body for organizations involved in audience measurement, providing expertise and guidance on regulatory developments. Additionally, it will act as an authoritative source of information for regulators and stakeholders, promoting international alignment on evolving industry practices.
Establishment and Objectives of the Audience Measurement Coalition
In the vibrant landscape of European media, the formation of the AMC marks a pivotal moment. Initially established as an informal alliance in 2017, this coalition has now officially come together to advocate for professional standards in audience measurement. The founding members include prominent entities such as Médiamétrie from France, ARMA from Romania, and MMS from Sweden, along with research firms Nielsen, Kantar Media, and GfK. Other notable participants are AGF – Videoforschung from Germany, CIM from Belgium, Danske Medier Research from Denmark, Finnpanel from Finland, Mediapulse AG from Switzerland, NMO from the Netherlands, Norwegian MOC from Norway, WEMF from Switzerland, TAM Ireland, Comscore, Gemius, and Ipsos.
The AMC's primary goals encompass representing organizations active in audience measurement during public policy discussions and regulatory changes. It will also serve as a reference point for knowledge and information in dialogues with regulators, public authorities, and other industry stakeholders. Furthermore, the coalition will support the harmonization of practical matters arising from new regulations, ensuring consistency across different markets.
Yannick Carriou, the newly appointed President of the AMC, emphasized the importance of accurate and unbiased audience measurement, noting that recent regulations highlight the need for impartial measurement. Under his leadership, the AMC aims to become a key interlocutor for policymakers and stakeholders in the media and advertising ecosystem.
The AMC will focus on key policy areas, including the recognition of independent audience measurement in EU law and the establishment of governance standards expected by publishers, advertisers, cultural industries, and public authorities.
From a journalist's perspective, the formation of the AMC represents a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accuracy in audience measurement. By bringing together nearly 20 measurement bodies and service providers, the coalition can effectively engage with policymakers and regulators at both EU and national levels. This collaboration is essential for maintaining trust in media metrics and supporting the broader media ecosystem. The AMC's efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a more reliable and standardized approach to audience measurement, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
In a strategic move, Sony Pictures Television has welcomed Jennifer Rogers Doyle from the Walt Disney Company to spearhead its franchise initiatives. This appointment marks an important step in Sony's strategy to expand its portfolio of television properties. Doyle brings with her extensive experience and a proven track record in developing successful entertainment brands. Her new role will involve overseeing the creation and growth of franchises that can captivate audiences across various platforms. The decision to bring in Doyle reflects Sony’s commitment to enhancing its competitive edge in the dynamic television industry.
Doyle’s transition to Sony Pictures Television comes at a time when the company is actively seeking ways to strengthen its presence in the global media landscape. Having previously held significant positions within Disney, she has been instrumental in shaping some of the most recognized entertainment brands. In her new capacity, Doyle will be responsible for identifying opportunities to develop new content lines and ensuring these align with Sony’s broader strategic objectives. Her expertise in brand management and storytelling will be crucial as Sony looks to build enduring franchises that resonate with diverse audiences.
The entertainment sector is undergoing rapid changes, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Doyle’s background in navigating these shifts will be invaluable to Sony as it aims to stay ahead of the curve. She will collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to explore innovative approaches to franchise development. By leveraging her insights into audience trends and market dynamics, Doyle is expected to play a pivotal role in driving Sony’s expansion efforts and fostering long-term success in the highly competitive television market.
With Doyle at the helm of franchise operations, Sony Pictures Television is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter. Her leadership is anticipated to inject fresh momentum into the company’s creative endeavors and bolster its position as a leading player in the television industry. As Sony continues to adapt to the changing media environment, Doyle’s contributions are likely to be instrumental in shaping the future direction of its franchise strategies and overall business growth.