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Reports Say Penske Media Pitched Five-Figure Promo Packages Tied to Golden Globes’ New Podcast Award

Critics say PMC’s ownership structure creates a conflict of interest by tying paid visibility to an award it controls.

Overview

  • Status reporter Oliver Darcy says a pitch deck was sent to some shows on the Globes’ Best Podcast eligibility list offering paid promotion to awards voters.
  • $75,000, $35,000, and $25,000 tiers reportedly include items like a Variety-branded honor, feature coverage, moderated interviews, panel slots, and social amplification across PMC outlets.
  • Penske Media owns the Golden Globes as well as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Deadline, and Billboard, concentrating control over both the award and the promotional platforms.
  • Eligible shows include high-profile and controversial right-leaning hosts such as Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Ben Shapiro, prompting concerns about conferring legitimacy through paid stages.
  • The reports note no widely reported formal response from PMC so far, while the Best Podcast timeline continues with submissions through October 31, nominees expected December 8, and a January 2026 ceremony.