ByGandhinagar: Acclaimed investigative journalist Ronan Farrow has inked a multi-project deal with Audible, the leading provider of audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. The partnership will leverage Farrow’s investigative skills and storytelling abilities to create captivating audio content for Audible’s platform. Farrow’s initial project under this agreement is a podcast titled “Not a Very Good Murderer,” scheduled to debut on March 20, 2025.
A New Chapter in Investigative Audio Storytelling
This deal marks a significant step for Audible as it expands its portfolio of investigative journalism podcasts, capitalizing on the rising popularity of audio content that delves into complex and compelling narratives.
Farrow’s previous podcast, “Catch and Kill Podcast,” won the 2020 Edward R. Murrow Award for best podcast and has garnered over nine million downloads. His new project is anticipated to follow suit, providing listeners with a unique blend of investigative reporting and personal narratives.
Audible’s decision to partner with Farrow is rooted in his reputation as a leading figure in investigative journalism. Rachel Ghiazza, Audible’s Chief Content Officer, praised Farrow as a “generational talent” with the ability to uncover challenging truths with both insight and nuance.
She believes “Not a Very Good Murderer” showcases Farrow at the peak of his storytelling abilities and expects it will surprise listeners with its depth and complexity.
“Not a Very Good Murderer”: A Genre-Bending True Crime Podcast
Podcast poster by Pod MirrorFarrow’s upcoming podcast, “Not a Very Good Murderer,” promises to blend true crime with a compelling character-driven narrative. The series will explore cold cases within a wealthy gated community, delving into the intricate relationships and secrets that bind the residents.
Based on years of reporting, the podcast follows Farrow’s journey as he investigates a political lead, unexpectedly uncovering a series of cold cases. He develops a complex and “explosive” relationship with a key source who may hold the answers to these mysteries.
Described as a “wild, genre-bending investigative podcast,” “Not a Very Good Murderer” is both a true crime thriller and a character study, examining how secrets reverberate through families and communities.
The series offers an unfiltered look at a journalist’s struggle to verify information from unreliable sources in an era where the concept of truth feels increasingly fragile.
Ronan Farrow: A Background in Uncovering Truth
Born in New York City in 1987, Ronan Farrow is the son of actress Mia Farrow and filmmaker Woody Allen. His early academic achievements include graduating from Bard College at Simon’s Rock at 15 and earning a law degree from Yale Law School. Farrow’s career path began in foreign policy, serving as an advisor under President Barack Obama before transitioning to journalism.
Farrow’s investigative work gained prominence at NBC News, where he reported on high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer. His groundbreaking reporting on Weinstein’s sexual abuse allegations, which helped spark the #MeToo movement, culminated in his book “Catch and Kill,” detailing the efforts to silence survivors and protect powerful individuals.
Career Highlights
Farrow’s career has been marked by several significant milestones:
- Government Service: He served as a special advisor for humanitarian and NGO affairs under Richard Holbrooke in the U.S. Department of State and later as an advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for global youth issues.
- Television Journalism: In 2014, he hosted Ronan Farrow Daily on MSNBC, which was aimed at attracting younger viewers but was canceled the following year due to low ratings. He then transitioned to investigative reporting for NBC News, focusing on critical issues such as the opioid epidemic and sexual abuse on college campuses.
- Investigative Reporting: Farrow gained national prominence for his investigative work with The New Yorker, particularly his reporting on sexual abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. His exposé, published in October 2017, revealed systemic efforts to silence victims and suppress stories about powerful figures in Hollywood. This reporting was pivotal in catalyzing the #MeToo movement and earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2018, shared with Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey from The New York Times.
- Books and Documentaries: He authored the bestselling book “Catch and Kill,” which chronicles his investigation into Weinstein’s abuses and the broader culture of silence surrounding sexual misconduct. The book was adapted into a docuseries that further explored these themes. In addition to “Catch and Kill,” he has published another notable work titled “War on Peace,” which examines U.S. foreign policy.
A Legacy of Impactful Journalism
Farrow has received numerous awards for his investigative reporting, including:
- The Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in audio reporting for his podcast “Catch and Kill Podcast”.
- The National Magazine Award for his contributions to The New Yorker.
- A Grammy Nomination for best spoken word album related to his podcast work.
Farrow’s work has not only brought attention to individual cases but has also shed light on broader societal issues like misogyny, abuse of power, and systemic injustice. He has contributed extensively to The New Yorker, publishing articles that expose wrongdoing across media, politics, and business.
Audible Embraces Investigative Journalism
Audible’s investment in Farrow reflects a broader trend in media consumption. As audiences increasingly seek in-depth narratives that challenge conventional wisdom, platforms like Audible are emerging as leaders in delivering high-quality audio content.
Farrow’s upcoming podcast joins a growing collection of investigative podcasts on Audible, including works by Jon Ronson and Leon Neyfakh. This strategic move aligns with Audible’s goal to diversify its offerings while catering to an audience hungry for insightful storytelling that goes beyond traditional formats.
