Podcast Network Distribution Agreement Template

You've built an audience. Now a podcast network wants to distribute your show, sell advertising, and split revenues. Before you sign anything, protect your content ownership, lock down fair payment terms, and ensure you can walk away if they don't deliver.


Last Updated: Feb. 23, 2026

Podcast Network Distribution Agreement IMAGE

What Is the Podcast Network Distribution Agreement?

A podcast network distribution agreement establishes the legal relationship between a podcaster and a distribution network. The network gets rights to distribute your content across platforms, handle monetization, and collect revenues. You retain ownership of your content while receiving a percentage of what the network generates. This contract defines whether those rights are exclusive, how much you'll be paid, what marketing support you'll receive, and how you can terminate if the relationship isn't working.

Without a proper agreement, you risk giving networks broad control over your content without guaranteed payment terms, losing your audience data when relationships sour, or getting locked into deals that prevent you from pursuing better opportunities. Networks operate with standard contracts that heavily favor their interests. This template gives you the provisions you need to negotiate from a position of strength and protect what you've built.

 

 
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Is This Podcast Network Distribution Agreement Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

  • Signing with a podcast network for the first time
  • Currently distributing independently and considering network representation
  • Negotiating an exclusive distribution deal with monetization sharing
  • Working with a network that handles advertising sales on your behalf
  • Partnering with a network that provides hosting and technical infrastructure
  • Evaluating multiple network offers and need standardized terms for comparison

You definitely need this agreement if:

  • The network wants exclusive distribution rights to your content
  • You're giving up control of your podcast RSS feed or hosting
  • The network will be inserting advertisements without your direct approval
  • Revenue sharing involves complex splits across multiple monetization streams
  • Your current network agreement has vague payment or termination terms

 

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Still unsure?

If a network is asking you to sign their standard agreement and it doesn't clearly specify your revenue split, payment timing, and termination rights, you need this template.

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Attorneys charge $2,500-$5,000 to draft podcast distribution contracts. This template costs $35 and gives you the same legal protections.

Save Time. Download immediately and fill in your specific terms in under an hour instead of waiting weeks for attorney drafts and revisions.

Look Professional. Present network-quality contract language that shows you're serious about protecting your business interests and intellectual property.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Revenue Sharing article prevents payment disputes by defining gross revenues and requiring detailed accounting statements. The Intellectual Property Rights article protects your ownership when relationships end. The Termination article specifies exactly how to exit cleanly, including data transfer and RSS feed transition. The Content Standards article prevents networks from censoring your editorial control while meeting platform requirements.

 

What's Inside This Template?

Grant of Distribution Rights

Specifies whether the network gets exclusive or non-exclusive distribution rights, defines the geographic territory, and establishes the term length. Protects your ability to retain rights to video adaptations, transcript publishing, and other derivative works the network doesn't handle.

Revenue Sharing and Payment Terms

Details exactly how advertising revenue, sponsorships, and premium subscription income get split between you and the network. Includes provisions for minimum guarantees, audit rights, detailed accounting statements, and reserves against refunds. Prevents networks from deducting operational overhead from your share.

Advertising and Sponsorships

Controls where advertisements can appear in your episodes, limits total ad load to protect listener experience, and gives you approval rights over sponsors that conflict with your brand or business interests. Addresses the difference between dynamic ad insertion and host-read sponsorships.

Network Obligations and Services

Defines the specific services the network must provide, from distribution across major platforms to marketing commitments and monetization efforts. Includes uptime guarantees, analytics reporting requirements, and brand standards. Prevents networks from making vague promises without concrete deliverables.

Termination and Wind-Down

Establishes when either party can terminate the agreement, what happens to your content when the relationship ends, how final payments are calculated, and requires networks to transfer your audience data and RSS feed control. Includes optional performance-based termination if revenues fall below thresholds.

Intellectual Property Rights

Confirms you own your podcast content and grants the network only a limited license for distribution and promotion. Addresses ownership of marketing materials created by the network and determines who owns audience data and analytics collected during the relationship.

 

 
Premium Template
Single-use Template
Legal GPS Pro
Unlimited Access, Best Value
  • 📝 Podcast Network Distribution Agreement
  • ✔️ Fully customizable and reusable
  • 📝 100+ Premium, Expertly Crafted Contract Templates
  • ✔️ Personalized Legal Checkup
$35
$39/ month
Buy Template
Trusted by 1000+ businesses
 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout

Complete your purchase through our encrypted payment system. You'll receive instant access to download your template immediately after payment processes.

Step 2: Instant Download

Download your professionally drafted podcast network distribution agreement in Microsoft Word format. The template is fully editable and ready for customization with your specific terms.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields

Open the document and complete the bracketed sections with your information, choosing options that match your business model and negotiating position. The included how-to guide walks you through every complex decision point.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. You can use this template for multiple podcast network distribution agreements across different shows or network relationships. Once you purchase it, it's yours to reuse as your podcasting business grows.

Is this contract legally binding?

Yes. When properly completed and signed by both parties, this agreement creates enforceable legal obligations. It's drafted using the same provisions and structure attorneys use for podcast distribution contracts.

Does this work for exclusive and non-exclusive distribution deals?

Yes. The template includes options for both exclusive and non-exclusive distribution arrangements. You choose which structure fits your situation and negotiate the corresponding terms with the network.

What if the network wants to use their own contract instead?

Networks typically present their standard agreements, which heavily favor their interests. Use this template to understand what provisions you should negotiate for, compare against their terms, and propose amendments that protect your rights. Even if you ultimately sign their form, this template shows you what to push back on.

How do I know what revenue split to negotiate?

Industry standards vary based on whether the deal is exclusive, what marketing the network provides, and your audience size. The how-to guide explains typical splits and when to push for better terms. Generally, exclusive deals with real marketing support should get you 60-70% of revenues, while non-exclusive deals often split 50-50.

What happens to my podcast if the network shuts down or gets acquired?

The termination provisions require the network to transfer your RSS feed, audience data, and technical infrastructure back to you within specified timeframes. You retain full ownership of your content regardless of what happens to the network. The assignment restrictions prevent the network from transferring the agreement to buyers you don't approve.

 

 
Premium Template
Single-use Template
Legal GPS Pro
Unlimited Access, Best Value
  • 📝 Podcast Network Distribution Agreement
  • ✔️ Fully customizable and reusable
  • 📝 100+ Premium, Expertly Crafted Contract Templates
  • ✔️ Personalized Legal Checkup
$35
$39/ month
Buy Template
Trusted by 1000+ businesses