Before I begin here, I want to let everyone know that I'm not gloating.
I don't actually see the 2+2 Pokercast as "competition", but rather just another podcast. I like Adam Schwartz (the longtime host, who now also does it with Terrence Chan), and I think they do a good job with the show. It's a different type of show than PFA's show (more serious, and more tightly produced), and is well regarded with many fans. It should also be noted that Adam regularly listens to our PFA show, which I think is great.
Anyway, they've been sponsored by Pokerstars for 8 years. No more.
https://twitter.com/twt/status/738459336083529728
https://twitter.com/twt/status/738459888758620160
Do they really have 40,000 downloads per week? That's a bit hard to believe, but whatever. FYI, sometimes podcasts miscount "downloads" when the same person connects several times to download the same podcast. I always throw those out when counting our ratings.
They do have a bigger audience than we do, but I kinda doubt 40x bigger.
I heard a rumor that Pokerstars used to invest a LOT of money in this, and still were paying very handsomely despite a reduction a few years ago.
In fact, when I heard the rumored numbers of what they were getting, I will admit that I was a bit jealous. Like, it was way more than I ever pictured.
While I am happy that we have complete editorial control over our show (which 2+2's Pokercast didn't, for a variety of reasons), I have to admit that I would have given up that control if I got paid what Pokerstars was likely forking over.
Anyway, I feel bad for Adam. I don't think they will find a sponsor paying anything like that again.
More Amaya belt tightening.