Bauer Media has today announced the next podcast in its growing digital audio expansion strategy; The Reality of Reality TV, fronted by singer and Hits Radio Breakfast Show presenter Fleur East. The new series, which sees Fleur uncover the truth behind some of the country’s favourite reality shows, marks Bauer’s 11th new podcast this year.

According to research conducted by Bauer, 57% of people listen to podcasts, with 11% agreeing that they have listened to more podcasts since the lockdown as they have turned to the medium for escapism and entertainment. In the week of 15-21 June, Bauer Media recorded a total podcast reach of 134,000 listeners, compared to 125,000 in the week when lockdown was first introduced. In the same week, Empire’s Spoiler Special podcast saw a boost of 77% in listeners and Grazia’s Life Advice podcast saw an increase of 34% compared to the week before – the podcasts help address audiences’ new needs whilst they are stuck at home; consuming more TV and film and wanting extra advice and support.

In The Reality of Reality TV, launching on the 7^th July, Fleur will be joined by a host of reality TV stars including the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattinson, and fellow The X Factor alums JB Gill and Janet Devlin. They will discuss what really goes on behind the scenes, how much of the shows are scripted and what happens next.  

Commenting on the new podcast, Fleur said, “I did The X Factor twice, I’m a Celeb once and have always been a huge fan of reality TV shows. I always get asked how much of my experiences were real. Even my family, who watch behind the scenes the whole way through still ask did that really happen. So, what is real? In this podcast I’ve loved swapping notes with other reality TV veterans in a bid to uncover the reality of reality TV.”

Vicky Foster, Commercial Director, Digital, added: “Reality TV shows have become ingrained in British culture, so it’s great to be able to expand on our much-loved Hits Radio brand to provide both loyal and new listeners a new look into one of their favourite pastimes. Due to the nature of podcasts, Fleur and her guests will be able to tell their unique stories in a direct and intimate way and brands will have the opportunity to hook onto that relationship to communicate their messages effectively and authentically. This is more important than ever as audiences are increasingly more critical and judging brands on the way they communicate and present themselves, with many seeing authenticity as a key factor.”

This podcast is the latest release from Bauer Media, which is home to The Frank Skinner Show, The Empire Film Podcast, Superscoreboard, Dave Berry’s Dadpod and many more. Recent release Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast rose to No.2 in the main Apple Podcast chart, as well as topping the Apple Podcast Arts chart, and receiving great critical acclaim.

‘The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East’ launches with its first episode on Tuesday 7^th July and will be available every Tuesday from Apple podcasts, Spotify, the Hits Radio website and all mainstream podcast providers.

Upcoming guests in the podcast include:
The Vivienne (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner)
Vas J Morgan (The Only Way is Essex)
Alison Hammond (Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebs Go Dating)
Vicky Pattison (Geordie Shore, I’m a Celeb, Ex on the Beach)
JB Gill from JLS (The X Factor, Celebrity Masterchef, The Jump)
Harry Redknapp (I’m a Celebrity)
Janet Devlin (The X Factor)

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For further press information, please contact: 

Amelia O’Shea – Communications Manager, Bauer Media
amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk – 07718489342

Cat Martin – Communications Director, Bauer Media Audio

cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk – 07932746363

About Bauer Media Audio

Bauer Media Audio is Europe’s leading digital commercial broadcaster and audio operator. Experts in the power of sound, the company reaches over twenty-six million listeners daily through its market-leading broadcast radio, online services, and podcasts creating commercial value. The business spans 7 countries including the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Slovakia, with leading brands including KISS, Mix Megapol, Absolute Radio, Radio Norge, Radio Expres, Radio Nova, The Voice and RMF.