Jemele Hill is expanding her empire. Spotify has renewed her Webby award-winning podcast Jemele Hill Is Unbothered and has launched her own podcast network entitled The Unbothered Network, a podcast and production company seeking to elevate the voices, stories, agency, and nuance of Black women.
“To expand on the podcast network announcement, it was a non-negotiable for me that Black women be put in position to direct all content decisions,” tweeted Hill in regards to the announcement.
Hill, in partnership with her longtime representative Evan Dick (Exit 39), and a team of powerhouse creatives and executives, will create premium content that drive conversations and builds community, all through the power and intimacy of podcasting. Spotify, Hill, and her production company Lodge Freeway Media, will identify and develop new exciting series for the Network.
“The Unbothered Network is more than just a content hub, it’s a space where Black women can hopefully see their full selves,” said Hill. “There’s so much about the lives of Black women that haven’t been fully explored, and so many of our stories have either been dismissed or overlooked. I’m also proud of this network because it not only centers Black women, but it’s also run by Black women. We can’t empower Black women if we’re not positioning them in leadership roles.”
“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with the incomparable Jemele Hill,” said Courtney Holt, Head of Studios and Video, Spotify. “An acclaimed journalist, storyteller, podcaster, and creative — whose bold and authentic takes on social politics, sports and culture have shined a spotlight on topics that are often overlooked. We can’t wait for her to continue her podcast, and bring new and diverse talent to her network that amplifies and strengthens the voices of this important community.”
Hill’s team of creatives and executives at The Unbothered Network include: Christina M. Tapper, Executive Producer & Head of Content and Rich Boerner, Head of Production.
“I’m beyond grateful and excited to join Jemele and Spotify in building an audio home where Black women are primary,” said Tapper. “I’m energized by the work of creating an expansive portfolio of premium podcasts for Black women listeners and by Black women creators at The Unbothered Network. We’ll tap into a variety of formats and genres to do just that.”
In April of 2019, Hill debuted a Jemele Hill is Unbothered on Spotify. The two-time Webby award-winning podcast features in-depth, thought-provoking conversation with some of the biggest newsmakers across entertainment, culture, music and politics. Hill also explores topical and controversial issues with humorous, candid commentary. Previous Unbothered guests have included: Vice President Kamala Harris, Ava DuVernay, Common, Ice Cube, Spike Lee, Gabrielle Union, Chelsea Clinton, Dan Rather, Stephen Colbert, Issa Rae, Taraji P. Henson, and Soledad O’Brien.
