NEW YORK, February 9th, 2023 – Realm, the industry-leading podcast studio and one of the world’s fastest-growing independent podcast networks, proudly announced the addition of Tim Ditlow, a distinguished figure in children’s audiobook publishing, to its Board of Advisors. Ditlow, with over four decades of experience in the children’s audio industry, will bring invaluable insights to Realm’s new leadership in the Kids and Family sector.
Tim Ditlow’s deep roots in the recording industry, coupled with a lifelong passion for stories, make him an unparalleled authority in children’s audio and book publishing. His impressive career includes leadership roles at Listening Library, Random House, Brilliance Audio, and Amazon Children’s Publishing, where he played pivotal roles in acquiring, producing, and overseeing a multitude of iconic audio titles, including the internationally acclaimed Harry Potter series. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations and awards, as well as commendation from the White House for his work on the Year of the Young Reader. In the past decade, Tim served as the VP, Content, for Epic, the leading digital reading platform for kids, where he built a library of over 40,000 titles from 250 top publishers.
Molly Barton, CEO and Co-Founder of Realm, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Tim is a true legend in the children’s audiobook publishing world, and his wealth of experience and industry knowledge is an incredible asset for Realm. We share a passion for finding new ways to bring immersive and engaging audio storytelling to families worldwide, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our Board of Advisors.”
Ditlow shared his excitement about joining Realm, stating, “I am excited for this opportunity to advise alongside Molly’s talented Board members in order to support and grow Realm’s phenomenal roster of talent and licensing partners. ”
Realm’s board includes media visionary and Time 100 alum Lauren Zalaznick, who has previously advised Gimlet and Ira Glass’ Serial Productions; Michael Smith, NPR’s Chief Marketing Officer; Russell Binder, President of IP accelerator Striker Entertainment; and Marci Wiseman, award-winning producer and former Co-President of Blumhouse TV. In his new advisory role at Realm, Ditlow will bring his vast experience to further enhance Realm’s mission to develop, produce, distribute, and monetize immersive audio series in collaboration with top-tier talent and entertainment companies.
Realm expanded into the Kids and Family audio sector in 2023 with the acquisition of the Peabody award winning kids audio streaming platform Pinna featuring an extensive library of licensed content and a slate of 150+ wholly-owned titles. These include award-winning kids and family audio series like Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, Opal Watson: Private Eye (soon to be a 2-book series with HarperCollins), Totally Unauthorized Minecraft Fan Show, Quentin & Alfie (soon to be a four book series with FSG/MacMillan), and A-Z Mysteries produced with Penguin Random House inspired by the bestselling book series by Ron Roy.
ABOUT REALM
Led by former book publishing executive Molly Barton and team members from CAA, Disney, Warner Brothers, Spotify, and NBC Universal, Realm is an industry-leading studio and global podcast network. Realm partners with top-tier talent and entertainment companies, including Blumhouse, Paramount, Warner Bros, DC, AMC Networks, Marvel, Spotify, and iHeart, to develop, produce, distribute, and monetize immersive audio series that deeply engage audiences.
Realm has brought more top-charting fiction shows to audiences than any competitor, with 8 shows hitting #1 on Apple Podcasts. Realm’s podcasts have been nominated for and won numerous awards, including Audies, Ambies, Webbys, Signal Awards, and iHeart Podcast Awards. Realm Originals have been translated into 12 languages, reaching listeners in over 200 countries and territories. 8 Realm Originals are currently in development for Film/TV.
Notable titles include the #1 Spotify podcast HARLEY QUINN & THE JOKER: SOUND MIND starring Christina Ricci and Billy Magnussen, THE FLASH: ESCAPE THE MIDNIGHT CIRCUS starring Max Greenfield, and fan favorites OUTLIERS voiced by Rory Culkin, IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe; ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER and POWER TRIP starring Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany; MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; and ECHO PARK starring Harry Shum Jr. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
