Kast Media Lawsuit: Podcasters Allege Unpaid Ad Revenue
Several prominent podcasters have accused Kast Media, a podcast network, of failing to pay them millions of dollars in ad revenue. The podcasters, including Theo Von, Whitney Cummings, and Jim Cornette, allege that Kast Media has been withholding payments for months and has not responded to their inquiries.
Specific Allegations
The podcasters allege that Kast Media has engaged in a pattern of deceptive and unfair business practices. They claim that the company has:
- Failed to pay them for ads that have already aired on their shows.
- Made false promises about the amount of ad revenue they would earn.
- Refused to provide them with accurate accounting of their ad revenue.
The podcasters also allege that Kast Media has been unresponsive to their complaints and has stonewalled their attempts to resolve the issue.
Impact on Podcasters
The unpaid ad revenue has caused significant financial hardship for the podcasters. They rely on ad revenue to pay their staff, produce their shows, and make a living. The lack of payment has also strained their relationships with their advertisers and sponsors.
Legal Action
In September 2023, podcaster Alyx Weiss, who goes by Ayydubs, filed a lawsuit against Kast Media, seeking $550,000 in unpaid ad revenue. The lawsuit alleges that Kast Media breached its contract with Weiss by failing to pay her the agreed-upon amount of ad revenue.
Other podcasters, including Theo Von and Jim Cornette, have also threatened legal action against Kast Media. They are considering filing their own lawsuits or joining Weiss’s lawsuit.
Kast Media’s Response
Kast Media has denied the allegations in the lawsuit and has said that it is committed to paying its podcasters. The company has also said that it is investigating the matter and will take appropriate action.
Ongoing Litigation
The lawsuit against Kast Media is still ongoing, and it is unclear how it will be resolved. However, the allegations have raised serious concerns about the company’s business practices and have cast a shadow over the podcast industry.
Recommendations for Podcasters
If you are a podcaster considering working with Kast Media, it is important to be aware of the allegations against the company. You should carefully review any contracts you sign with the company and make sure that you understand the terms of payment.
You should also keep detailed records of your ad revenue and communicate regularly with Kast Media about your payments. If you have any concerns about your payments, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Additional Resources
- Podcast Industry Standards
- Podcast Advertising Guide
- How to Get Your Podcast Paid
