The Legal Structure Behind Differ...

The Legal Structure Behind Different Network Models

Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podc... by Greg Wasserman, Podcast Leader & Relationship Generator
E32
Oct 15, 2026
01:04:19

Episode notes

What does a podcast network actually include when its purpose can range from ad sales to collaboration or distribution? The answer affects ownership, contracts, revenue, and how the relationship ends.

Gordon Firemark has practiced entertainment law since 1992. He has hosted Entertainment Law Update since 2009 and has written The Podcast Blog and New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide. His work focuses on helping podcasters and entertainment businesses understand the legal structure behind their work. He shares practical legal advice for podcast networks and hosts considering joining a network.

Listen for:

03:50 – Why define the network’s purpose?

06:57 – What rights does a network acquire?

08:10 – What happens when relationships end?

08:58 – Who owns the RSS feed?

12:36 – Why formalize a collective?

14:33 – Why treat legal work as investment?

18:20 – How should ad payments work?

24:59 – What due diligence protects networks?

31:33 – How should talent be classified?

35:25 – What red flags affect hosts?

40:54 – What belongs in exit terms?

CONNECT WITH GUEST: GORDON FIREMARK, ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY | CEO FIREMARK ENTERPRISES

Website | LinkedIn

Gordon’s podcast rec: Entertainment Law Update

Gordon’s podcast rec: Legit Podcast Pro

Gordon’s podcast rec: Expert Edge Podcast

Gordon’s book rec: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

CONNECT WITH GREG WASSERMAN, HEAD OF RELATIONSHIPS AT RSS.COM

Website | LinkedIn | Newsletter

Greg’s book rec: Return on Courage by Ryan Berman

Systems, Sponsors, and Partners:

Hosted with RSS.com Podcast Hosting

Produced by Stories & Strategies

Content Repurposed with Castmagic

Podcast Project Management with Northflow

Keywords

podcasting
Podcast Network
Podcast Monetization
Podcast Growth
Podcast Nation
Greg Wasserman
Podcast
podcast discoverability
podcast network insights
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