American Scandal: Introducing the New Paywall for Our Back Catalog

Release Date: October 21, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of American Scandal, host Lindsay Graham addresses a significant update regarding the show's back catalog. Listeners who have enjoyed past seasons will soon encounter a paywall restricting access to older episodes. This episode delves into the reasons behind this change, its implications for both the show and its audience, and the benefits offered to subscribers.

1. Announcement of the Paywall

Lindsay Graham opens the episode with a straightforward announcement about the transition of American Scandal's back catalog to a subscription-based model.

“The episodes we produced months and months ago will be moving behind a paywall. I know this might be an unpleasant surprise, so I want to explain what this change means and why it's an important step for the future of the show.”
— Lindsay Graham [00:30]

She reassures listeners that the current and upcoming seasons will remain free, ensuring that new content remains accessible to all.

“If you are keeping up with our current season or catching up on recent episodes, nothing will change for you. Those will continue to be available for free as always.”
— Lindsay Graham [01:15]

2. Rationale Behind the Paywall

Graham elaborates on the necessity of moving the back catalog behind a paywall, emphasizing the commitment to producing high-quality, fact-based historical content.

“Producing high quality fact based history content is no easy task. It takes countless hours of research, writing, sound design and production to bring these stories to life.”
— Lindsay Graham [02:45]

She highlights the complexity and nuance of historical storytelling, underscoring the dedication required to present these narratives accurately and engagingly.

“History is complex, full of nuance, and it deserves to be told with the care and precision we've delivered season after season.”
— Lindsay Graham [03:10]

3. Benefits of a Wondery Plus Subscription

Transitioning to the advantages for subscribers, Graham outlines the value proposition of Wondery Plus, the subscription service that will grant access to the back catalog.

“With a Wondery plus subscription, you won't just be supporting the show, you'll be helping to ensure that these stories of history, told with depth, integrity and care can continue to be shared for years, years to come.”
— Lindsay Graham [04:00]

Subscribers will enjoy ad-free access to the entire back catalog, early access to new seasons, and additional perks such as live streams and exclusive content.

“Your Wondery plus subscription will unlock the entire back catalog of American Scandal ad free, as well as give you early access to binge new seasons the day they come out.”
— Lindsay Graham [05:20]

Furthermore, the subscription extends benefits beyond American Scandal, including access to other popular Wondery shows like American History Tellers and Business Movers.

4. Subscription Details and Accessibility

Graham provides clear instructions on how listeners can subscribe, ensuring the process is user-friendly and accessible across various platforms.

“You can download the Wondery app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start exploring all the shows Wondery has to offer.”
— Lindsay Graham [06:30]

Alternatively, subscribers can sign up directly through Apple Podcasts or Spotify, allowing them to listen on their preferred platforms while still enjoying the full suite of subscription benefits.

5. Commitment to Quality and Future Content

In closing, Graham reiterates the show's dedication to presenting historical scandals with authenticity and excellence, emphasizing that the transition to a subscription model is pivotal for sustaining and enhancing the content.

“I've spent years telling these stories because I believe history matters and telling it well. Crafting narratives that are both accurate and captivating takes hard work, time and a dedicated team.”
— Lindsay Graham [07:45]

She expresses gratitude towards the audience for their understanding and continued support, reinforcing the mutual commitment to preserving and sharing compelling historical narratives.

“This change to American Scandal moving the archives behind a paywall helps us continue that mission. So thank you for your understanding and your continued support.”
— Lindsay Graham [08:10]

Conclusion

This episode of American Scandal serves as a crucial update for its dedicated listeners, outlining the shift towards a subscription-based model for its back catalog. By providing detailed reasoning and highlighting the benefits of Wondery Plus, Lindsay Graham ensures that the audience understands and appreciates the necessity of this change. This move not only supports the ongoing production of high-quality historical content but also offers subscribers enhanced access and exclusive perks, fostering a sustainable future for American Scandal.