MEDIA NEWS

September 2, 2022 - Leading premium podcast studio, Cadence13, is dedicated to quality storytelling and production announced that it has partnered with media giant Stephen A. Smith for his first-ever podcast, Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith, a three-times-a-week show on which he'll bring his trademark insight and analysis and explore a wide range of topics and issues, beyond the world of sports. 

On Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken experienced journalist and host of ESPN's First Take will pull back the curtain and offer his candid insights and views on the day's headlines, including politics, entertainment, social issues, criminal justice, and business. Smith will regularly be joined on Know Mercy by a wide range of distinguished guests and thought leaders. Know Mercy launches on Monday, September 26, 2022, on the Audacy app and everywhere podcasts are available. Beginning September 26, new episodes will be released Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

"It's hard to put into words how excited I am about this opportunity. Although my love for sports will never fade, neither has my zest for expanding my interest beyond the court or field of play. I love news. I love entertainment. Above all else, I love attaching myself to, and touching on, things that are percolating in the minds of the masses — with no inhibitions," said Stephen A. Smith. "Regardless of subject matter, to have the opportunity to do so with a podcast I personally own, with content I personally control, is an adventure I've waited to tackle head-on for my entire career. Well, it's here now, and I'm excited to do it with Cadence13. I'm ready. I hope everyone is, too, for what's coming. Buckle up!"

"Stephen A. Smith is a larger-than-life talent and force of nature whose indelible passion, wit, and candor ignite every conversation he's a part of, engaging millions of fans along the way," said Chris Corcoran, Chief Content Officer and Founding Partner, Cadence13. "We could not be more thrilled to add his singular, powerful voice to the Cadence13 lineup, and to bring 'Know Mercy' to the world." 

Stephen A. Smith rose from a reporter on high school sports at The New York Daily News and college and NBA beat reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer to become one of ESPN's most prominent and popular commentators and a leading voice in the industry. He is the star of the #1-morning sports talk show, First Take; a premier analyst on NBA Countdown throughout the NBA season; and the host and producer of the podcast "K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith." Smith has more than 12 million followers across social media platforms, and his opinions on sports make daily headlines. Follow him on Twitter @StephenASmith. He is a 1991 HBCU graduate from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and Brand Ambassador for the HBCU Week Foundation. Stephen A has helped enroll over 2,000 high school students into HBCUs and raised over $12 million in scholarships to assist students who want to attend HBCUs.

Follow Stephen A. Smith on Twitter @StephenASmith and Instagram @StephenASmith. Follow Know Mercy on Twitter @KnowMercyPod, Instagram @KnowMercyPod, and Facebook @KnowMercyPod. Follow Cadence13 on Twitter @Cadence13_ and Instagram @Cadence13. 

For more information, visit www.cadence13.com.

Los Angeles—October 14, 2022-- In “The Last Waltz,” Michael Levine, acclaimed public relations/ branding expert and best-selling author compiles all the wisdom that has steered him through his 30-plus years so that others can take the lead, without falling into a ditch. With chapters on politics, relationships, wisdom, career and self-growth, the book imparts Levine’s unique perspective and knowledge into an engaging and entertaining experience.

Michael Levine has authored 19 books with 5 that became best-sellers. He has appeared on various television shows including regular appearances on “Good Morning America” and the Today Show over the last 20 years. Michael Levine has been widely regarded as one of the world’s preeminent branding and public relations experts for the last 30 years.

About the Author

Born with dyslexia, Levine is currently the only person in the world, without ever attending college, to lecture at both Harvard and Oxford universities. He has represented a record-breaking 58 Academy Award winners, 34 Grammy Award winners, and 43 New York Times best-sellers. Michael Levine, who has been responsible for countless award-winning public relations and branding campaigns for companies and people worldwide, gives the public another interesting read with his latest offering.

More about the Author

Buy this Book

Common Sense Media, best known for its award-winning, research-backed ratings and reviews of movies, TV shows, books announced yesterday that it has added podcasts to its expansive library of content geared toward kids and families. The new product is the first of its kind in the market to provide consumers with comprehensive podcast ratings and reviews that are grounded in child-development principles and research. 

Common Sense Media first entered the podcast space in 2021 in collaboration with Apple Podcasts by curating kid-friendly podcast collections by age and theme. The first phase of the new ratings and reviews product will primarily focus on podcasts targeted toward kids and families but will eventually expand to include titles for broader audiences. The content adheres to Common Sense Media's existing ratings and review guidelines, highlighting the key elements of educational value, Co-listening qualities, diverse and genuine representations through content and audio quality and length.

"It's very clear the podcast world is growing, but what's less obvious is how impactful and innovative kids and family podcasts are and will continue to be as they expand and evolve," said Laura Ordoñez, Common Sense Media, Head of Podcast Ratings and Reviews. "Our goal is to help parents and educators navigate the kids podcast space, to give them the tools they need to decide what podcasts work best for their kids, families, and classrooms. And most importantly to help them adopt and embrace this incredibly diverse and dynamic media format as both an educational and entertainment resource for kids and families." 

Podcasts are fast becoming a valuable media resource for families and educators. For families, podcasts offer screen-free entertainment options that are excellent for experiencing together, and for educators, they can help to improve students' learning both in and out of the classroom. According to recent research by Common Sense Media on media use by teens and tweens, nearly half (45%) of all 13- to 18-year-olds surveyed reported listening to podcasts, and one in five said they do so at least once a week. Other research estimates that listenership among all Americans could increase from 75.9 million to 100 million listeners in the United States by 2024.

The non-profit research organization will also award its Common Sense Selection Seal distinction to a number of selected podcasts. The selection program acknowledges content producers that demonstrate the highest editorial principles for overall quality based on entertainment value, engagement, and influence, along with worthwhile themes, messages, and role models.