Schwartz Media Podcasts and New Media Evolution
In recent years, the landscape of digital journalism has shifted toward audio storytelling. Schwartz Media has embraced this transition by developing a suite of podcasts designed to deliver news, culture, and intellectual discourse to a modern audience. From daily news briefings to deep dives into the arts, the organization has expanded its reach across multiple platforms to engage listeners across Australia and beyond.
The Rise of 7am
Launched in May 2019, 7am serves as the flagship daily news podcast for Schwartz Media. Hosted by Ruby Jones and managed by editor Osman Faruqi, the program provides essential news updates every weekday morning, establishing a consistent routine for its listeners.
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To scale its reach, 7am entered a partnership with Acast—the world's largest podcast company—in May 2020. This strategic move ensured the podcast was available on all major distribution platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, as well as niche services like Castbox, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podbean, and Stitcher.
Growth and Milestones
The expansion in distribution led to significant audience growth. Schwartz Media reported a milestone of 45,000 average daily Australian listens, totaling nearly a quarter of a million listens per week. This performance placed 7am among the top five podcasts in Australia.
Following the success of 7am, Schwartz Media diversified its audio portfolio by launching two additional programs: The Saturday Quiz, hosted by Australian actor John Leary, and The AFA Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Pearlman, the editor of the Australian Foreign Affairs Journal.
Strategic Partnerships and Ownership Changes
As the podcast network matured, Schwartz Media shifted its commercial strategy. Since 2024, the organization has partnered with Nova Entertainment to handle the distribution and commercial sales of its podcast offerings.
A major transition occurred in 2025 when 7am was sold to Solstice Media, with the change in ownership taking effect on July 1.
The Culture: Expanding into the Arts
Leveraging the momentum of its news programming, Schwartz Media launched The Culture in May 2021. Hosted by Osman Faruqi, this podcast is released every Friday and focuses on the intersection of art and society. The program covers a wide array of topics, including film, music, television, streaming services, books, and fine art.
Key Facts
- 7am launched in May 2019 as a daily weekday news podcast.
- The Culture launched in May 2021, focusing on arts and entertainment every Friday.
- 7am reached a peak of approximately 250,000 weekly listens in Australia.
- Distribution partners have included Acast and Nova Entertainment.
- 7am was sold to Solstice Media, effective July 1, 2025.
| Podcast Name | Host | Frequency | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Ruby Jones | Daily (Weekdays) | Daily News |
| The Culture | Osman Faruqi | Weekly (Fridays) | Arts and Culture |
| The Saturday Quiz | John Leary | Weekly | Quiz/Entertainment |
| The AFA Podcast | Jonathan Pearlman | Periodic | Foreign Affairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosts the 7am podcast?
The 7am podcast is hosted by Ruby Jones, with Osman Faruqi serving as the editor.
Where can I listen to Schwartz Media podcasts?
They are available on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, as well as Acast, Castbox, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podbean, and Stitcher.
What topics does The Culture podcast cover?
The Culture covers a broad range of artistic subjects, including film, music, TV, streaming, books, and art.
What happened to 7am in 2025?
7am was sold to Solstice Media, with the transaction becoming effective on July 1, 2025.
Who manages the commercial sales for these podcasts?
Since 2024, Schwartz Media has partnered with Nova Entertainment for distribution and commercial sales.