Press Releases June 16, 2026 01:05 PM

Locked On Podcast Network Approaches One Billion Listens, Views and Social Engagements

Locked On Podcast Network Nears One Billion Interactions, Boosting TEGNA's Digital Sports Media Presence

By Marcus Reed
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TEGNA Inc.'s Locked On Podcast Network is set to reach one billion listens, views, and social engagements by the end of 2026. The network, acquired by TEGNA in 2021 and now the largest native sports podcast network, offers hyper-local daily coverage of major sports leagues through 275 podcasts. The network continues to expand through new TV and digital initiatives, reinforcing TEGNA's position in the digital sports media landscape.

Locked On Podcast Network Approaches One Billion Listens, Views and Social Engagements
NXST
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Key Points

  • Locked On Podcast Network is on track to reach 1 billion total engagements by 2026, demonstrating strong audience growth.
  • The network offers dedicated daily podcasts for every major professional and college sports team, totaling 275 shows.
  • Expansion into TV channels, partnerships with platforms like Amazon Fire TV, and social media growth are key to increasing audience reach.

MCLEAN, Va., June 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  TEGNA Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) announced today that the Locked On Podcast Network is on track to reach one billion listens, views and social engagements by the end of 2026. Today marks the tenth anniversary of Locked On, the number one sports podcast network acquired by TEGNA in 2021.

Built on the idea that every fanbase deserves a daily, dedicated podcast and that hyper-local coverage could draw large audiences, Locked On evolved from a single show in 2016 into a network of 275 daily podcasts covering every NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL team, and major college sports programs daily. Earning more than 90 million combined listens, views, and social engagements each month, the Locked On Podcast Network produces the most total episodes and has the largest podcast audience of any native sports network.

“Locked On’s founding principle, ‘Your Team. Every Day,’ has remained constant,” said David Locke, president, Locked On Podcast Network. “We fully committed to the idea that sports fans are fans of their team first and have never wavered from that belief. We have proven we can be successful delivering daily team-specific coverage for passionate fans. Across 275 shows and 10 uninterrupted years, that idea has held true.”

In recent years, the podcast network has continued to build momentum with a slate of new initiatives, including Postcasts and Squad Shows, FAST TV channels, programming in partnership with Amazon Fire TV, including Bracket Breakdown and College Football Kickoff, and rapid expansion across social channels which has generated millions of views. In addition, a new, free NBA Draft Guide will debut this week, to immerse fans more fully in the draft.

“Our first decade proved that sports fans want more depth, more insights, and more of the voices that share their deep commitment and loyalty to their teams,” said Carl Weinstein, chief operating officer, Locked On Podcast Network. “The next chapter is about delivering that in new ways. We’re excited to continue growing and engaging fans, wherever they are, with innovative coverage every day.”

About Locked On Podcast Network
Founded in 2016, Locked On produces more than 275 podcasts, providing in-depth coverage of every NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL team, plus major college sports teams and conferences daily. The number one sports podcast network generates over 90 million listens, views, and social engagements each month. Its podcasts were streamed 515 million times in 2025 across the major podcast audio apps and for video on YouTube and leading OTT platforms.

About TEGNA 
TEGNA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), operating independently of Nexstar consistent with the “Hold Separate Order” issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on April 17, 2026. TEGNA is a multiplatform media company operating 64 local television stations in 51 U.S. markets, and hundreds of websites, mobile and Connected TV (CTV) apps, and Premion, a leading Connected TV and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising platform.

For media inquiries, contact:
Molly McMahon
Director, Corporate Communications 
703-873-6422
[email protected]


Risks

  • Continued growth depends on maintaining strong fan engagement and adapting to evolving digital media consumption habits.
  • The competitive landscape in sports and digital media may impact audience share and advertising revenue.
  • Regulatory or market changes affecting digital advertising or media ownership could influence TEGNA's operational environment.

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