Red Seat Ventures' Speakeasy Brings Video to Apple Podcasts, Beginning with Surrounded

10/08/2026

Red Seat Ventures' Speakeasy Brings Video to Apple Podcasts, Beginning with Surrounded Speakeasy's Implementation of HLS Video Lets Creators Publish Everywhere while Keeping Ownership of their Audience and Business NEW YORK - August 10, 2026 - Red Seat Ventures (RSV), a Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) creator-led media company, today announced that Speakeasy, its hosting, distribution and monetization platform, now supports HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video on Apple Podcasts. Jubilee Media's Surrounded, the weekly debate series hosted by John Regalado, is the first of several creator-led shows expected to launch HLS video through Speakeasy in the coming months.

HLS enables adaptive streaming for smooth playback, offline downloads and dynamic monetization on Apple Podcasts, including the ability to insert video ads, such as host-read spots, in real time. The capability is delivered through Speakeasy without requiring creators to change the workflow they already use to publish and manage their shows, and adds RSV to a growing group of hosting providers supporting HLS video on Apple Podcasts.

The creator economy is entering its next phase. As audiences increasingly consume podcasts across both audio and video, creators need technology that lets them publish everywhere while maintaining ownership of their content, audience and monetization, said Chris Balfe, CEO, Red Seat Ventures. Speakeasy gives creator-led formats like Surrounded full control of their distribution strategy, so their audience and monetization grow together as one business, instead of being scattered across platforms.

Surrounded sits one guest at the center of twenty-five people with differing perspectives, and brings them into direct debate and dialogue on the topics shaping culture today. The show has built a fast-growing Gen Z audience and its face-to-face format was built to be seen, not just heard.

Half of what makes Surrounded work is watching the reactions in the room - the looks, the tension, the moment someone changes their mind, said John Regalado, host of Surrounded. Getting that onto Apple Podcasts, in a way where you can watch it or just listen on your commute and pick right back up later, is a huge win for the show and for our audience.

Red Seat Ventures represents more than 40 premium creators spanning true crime, comedy, news, sports and entertainment, with a combined audience of tens of millions of monthly consumers across audio and video. The integration brings that audience into video on Apple Podcasts natively, alongside creators' existing audio feeds, backed by the AI-powered analytics and content tools built into Speakeasy. It reflects RSV's model of pairing creators with best-in-class distribution, monetization and technology to build lasting franchises at scale, an evolution from podcast network to full-scale media company most recently marked by the introduction of RSV's premium creator portfolio to Amazon DSP, the launch of the Speakeasy hosting and monetization platform, and the acquisition of subscription platform Supercast.

Video on Apple Podcasts is rolling out to additional RSV shows in the coming months. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video.

Speakeasy remains available by invitation only. Creators interested in learning more can apply at SpeakeasyStudio.AI.

About Red Seat Ventures

Red Seat Ventures partners with top creators, brands, and media companies to develop unique, impactful digital properties. We offer our client-partners an unparalleled combination of investment capital, growth strategy, monetization and skilled management, all of which enable the rapid launch of new shows and businesses. As part of Fox Corporation, RSV is committed to fostering innovative content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Press Contacts:

Seana Sullivan

Red Seat Ventures / Fox Corporation

seana.sullivan@fox.com

LINK:	https://www.foxcorporation.com/news/business/2026/red-seat-ventures-sp...
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Red Seat Ventures' Speakeasy Brings Video to Apple Podcasts, Beginning with Surrounded

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