The New York Times announced on Monday that it has bought subscription-based audio app, Audm which works with numerous publishers, including The Atlantic, The New Yorker and BuzzFee, for an undisclosed amount.
The app features longform journalistic content read by professional voice actors.
The acquisition fits in well with The Times’ strategy to boost digital subscriptions as it strives to become a “subscription-first” content provider.
As per the deal, Audm will be working with its current publishing customers. However, The Times will utilize on the app’s scope within its own content initiatives.
This is what the newspaper had to say about the deal:
“As it happens, the acquisition couldn’t have come at a more valuable time. The Audio team is looking for ways to provide escape and relief in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. And so for the near future, at least, we plan to run read-aloud Times articles every Sunday on [the podcast] “The Daily.”
