Podcast Sponsorship Agreement (Producer–Sponsor Advertising Contract Template) by Verified Lawyer

This 7-page Podcast Sponsorship Agreement is a lawyer-drafted contract that sets out the advertising relationship between a podcast producer and a sponsor. It defines the podcast, the sponsorship period, ad placement and frequency, compensation structure (CPM or flat fee), data reporting, usage rights, reputation protections, and how disputes will be resolved. With clear definitions and a detailed Ad Insertion Order section, this template helps both Producer and Sponsor align expectations before any ads are recorded or run. The Agreement is written in straightforward business language and includes fill-in fields for podcast name, platforms, ad copy, run days, sponsorship dates, rates, data delivery, and governing law, so you can quickly adapt it to different shows, sponsors, and campaigns. Who this Agreement is for: • Podcast producers who sell sponsorships and want consistent, professional contracts for each sponsor. • Independent podcasters who are running their first paid campaigns and need a clear, reusable sponsorship agreement. • Podcast networks and media companies managing multiple shows and sponsors. • Brands and agencies purchasing podcast ads and looking for a balanced agreement that protects reputation and usage rights. • Marketing and legal teams that want a plug-and-play template for podcast ad buys, including dynamic or embedded ads. Key clauses included in this template: • Definitions and Purpose of Agreement. Provides clear definitions for key terms such as Ad Copy, Ad Insertion Order, Compensation Rate, Data, Platform, and Sponsorship Period, and confirms that the Producer will provide advertising services for the Sponsor’s products or services. • Podcast and Ad Insertion Order Details. Identifies the podcast, describes the show and platforms, and sets out the full Ad Insertion Order, including product or service advertised, ad placement, length of each ad, run days, number of ads, and whether the ads are embedded or dynamically inserted. • Ad Copy, Host Reads, and Corrections. Specifies that the Sponsor provides compliant ad copy or talking points, designates who will read the ad, and allocates responsibility and cost for corrections depending on whether the error is caused by the Producer or the Sponsor. • Compensation Structure. Allows for CPM-based or flat-rate compensation, sets the Compensation Rate, and describes how and when payments will be made. • Data and Reporting. Requires the Producer to provide demographic, engagement, and download data regarding the podcast during the Sponsorship Period, on specified reporting dates. • Compliance with Guidelines, Laws, and Platform Rules. Requires the Producer to perform services in accordance with Sponsor’s guidelines, all applicable laws and regulations (including FTC endorsement rules), and all relevant platform rules, and confirms Sponsor responsibility for Ad Copy compliance as of the effective date. • Reputation Protection and Content Review. Protects the Sponsor’s brand by prohibiting the Producer from taking actions that would adversely affect the Sponsor’s image or reputation, and grants the Sponsor the right to request edits, takedowns, or removal of content that violates those standards. • Ownership of Materials and Usage Rights. Distinguishes between Producer Material, Sponsor Material, and Joint Material, keeps ownership with the creating party, and grants each side non-exclusive, non-transferable licenses to use the other’s materials within defined scope, duration, and territory for the sponsored content. • Moral Rights, Trademarks, and Logos. Reserves moral rights in each party’s material and requires compliance with applicable trademark laws and agreed terms for use of each party’s trademarks and logos. • Warranties and Mutual Indemnification. Each party warrants it has the rights needed to grant the licenses in the Agreement and agrees to indemnify the other for claims, losses, or damages arising from breaches or IP violations. • Term and Termination. Sets the Agreement term through the last day of the Sponsorship Period, allows either party to terminate without cause on 30 days’ written notice, and allows the Sponsor to terminate on shorter notice for Producer breach, with payment obligations for ads run prior to termination. • Remedies and Limitation on Sponsor Relief. Limits the Sponsor’s remedies to direct monetary damages and expressly waives injunctive relief, preventing interference with ongoing exploitation of the podcast. • Independent Contractor Relationship and Confidentiality. Confirms the Producer is an independent contractor, not an employee or partner, and requires both parties to keep the terms of the Agreement confidential except for professional advisors. • Assignment, Amendments, and Waiver. Prohibits assignment during the term, requires written, signed amendments for changes, and clarifies that failure to enforce a provision does not waive the right to enforce it later. • Dispute Resolution and Governing Law. Establishes a stepped process of informal discussion, non-binding mediation, and then binding arbitration under AAA rules in a specified location, with the prevailing party entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and sets the governing state law and forum. • Notices, Addresses, and Entire Agreement. Specifies how formal notices must be delivered, lists mailing and email addresses for notice purposes, and confirms that this Agreement is the parties’ entire agreement regarding the sponsorship. Use this Agreement to put every podcast sponsorship on clear, professional terms that protect both your show and your sponsor relationships, and purchase and download the template today so you can start using it for your next ad campaign.