Introduction
In October 2023, The Economist unveiled Economist Podcasts+, a subscription-based service aimed at broadening its acclaimed podcast offerings. Designed to cater to the magazine’s growing audience in the audio space, the service is a significant addition to its economistplus.com, combining the expertise of its journalists with the convenience and accessibility of podcasts.

Why Economist Podcasts+?
Over the past three years, The Economist has seen its podcast audience double to five million monthly unique listeners. With audio rapidly emerging as its fastest-growing platform, the publication launched this initiative to capitalize on this trend and offer a more immersive and exclusive experience for its listeners【13†source】【14†source】.

Features and Benefits
Economist Podcasts+ includes several new shows alongside exclusive content from existing series:

1. New Offerings:
   • Boss Class: A limited series focused on management and leadership, hosted by Andrew Palmer, which features insights from CEOs, anthropologists, and other experts. The show builds on the popular “Bartleby” column in The Economist.
   • The Weekend Intelligence: An exclusive Saturday edition of the flagship show The Intelligence, providing deeper analysis and narrative storytelling on key global issues【14†source】.
2. Enhanced Access:
   • Subscribers gain access to The Economist’s complete podcast catalog, including award-winning series like Money Talks (markets and business), Babbage (science and technology), Checks and Balance (American politics), and regional insights like Drum Tower (China).
   • Limited series such as The Prince and Next Year in Moscow are also included, offering in-depth explorations of topics like Xi Jinping’s global ambitions and Russia’s evolving role in world politics【13†source】【14†source】.
3. Affordability:
   • Subscriptions are priced at $4.90/£4.90 monthly or $49/£49 annually. Early subscribers were offered a 50% discount, while current The Economist subscribers enjoy access to the podcast service at no extra cost【14†source】.

Strategic Vision
The Economist aims to replicate its successful subscription model in print and digital formats in the audio domain. According to Bob Cohn, president of The Economist, this approach ensures the sustainability and quality of its offerings, enabling further investment in audio journalism【13†source】【14†source】.

Recognition and Legacy
The Economist’s podcasts have received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards:

• The Intelligence has been recognized as the Best Current Affairs and Best Daily Podcast.
• Money Talks was named Best Business Podcast, while Babbage won Best Science Podcast by the Association of British Science Writers in 2022【13†source】【14†source】.

Conclusion
Economist Podcasts+ marks a bold step for The Economist in leveraging the growing podcasting landscape. By blending its deep journalistic expertise with an intuitive subscription model, the service promises to deliver enriched content tailored to a diverse and global audience. For those seeking informed perspectives on pressing global issues, Economist Podcasts+ is a premium gateway to world-class analysis and storytelling.