Rachel Fountain has joined Are Media as head of vodcasts in a newly created role that will accelerate the company’s expansion into video-led storytelling across its portfolio of women’s lifestyle brands.
Are Media is Australia’s biggest magazine publisher, with titles including Better Homes and Garden, Who, TV Week, Australian Woman’s Weekly, Women’s Day, Marie Clare, New Idea, and Elle.
Fountain brings a wealth of experience in audio and video content, with a background spanning media organisations including the ABC, News Corp, Deadset Studios and Nine. She is also the founder of Fountain Media Group, an independent consultancy and production company working with brands and creators on podcasts, vodcasts and broader content ecosystems.
In the role, Fountain will build on Are Media’s existing podcast slate, including You’re Gonna Want to Hear This (marie claire), The Edit (Home Beautiful), Group Chat (WHO), and Love Stories (The Australian Women’s Weekly), while leading the development and production of new video-led podcast formats across the company’s premium publishing brands.
Reporting to Are Media’s director of content, Sally Eagle, who will step into the CEO role in April, Fountain’s remit will focus on extending Are Media’s editorial authority into highly engaging, video and audio-first environments.
“Rachel brings a deep understanding of content and a strong track record across audio and video. She knows how to shape formats that connect with audiences, and is well placed to lead this next phase of growth for Are Media. We’re seeing a strong response to our expanding slate of programming from both audiences and commercial partners, and we look forward to building on that momentum,” Eagle said.
Fountain said: “I’ve always believed the most powerful content meets audiences where they are and gives them a reason to stay.”
“Are Media’s brands already have deep audience trust and connection with Australian women, and I’m excited to build vodcast formats that bring those relationships to life in new and compelling ways.”
Fountain’s appointment is effective immediately.
