Stitcher announces launch of ‘Unfinished: Deep South’ on Witness Docs network

New York NY, USA—Stitcher, the largest company dedicated to listening to, producing and monetizing podcasts, has announced the launch of Unfinished: Deep South – the newest documentary series to join its Witness Docs investigative podcast network.

The 10-episode podcast, launching June 29, investigates the unsolved lynching of a wealthy African American farmer and WWI veteran, Isadore Banks, in Arkansas at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement.

Through unearthing forgotten court records, fading FBI files and testimony of first-person accounts, hosts Taylor Hom and Neil Shea join Banks’ family in their attempt to restore Banks’ nearly-erased legacy while exploring the narratives of power institutionalized in the early 20th century.

The documentary podcast is produced by Stitcher in collaboration with playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and producer and filmmaker Tony Gerber of Market Road Films.

“‘Deep South’ takes the listener through history, uncovering new discoveries in each episode, and eventually lays out all the pieces to help determine what exactly happened to Isadore Banks,” said Nottage, the executive producer. “We believe a podcast is the perfect medium to do this case justice and take listeners on a true journey through a story of unfinished business in America.”

“Unfinished: Deep South” is the most recent show to be released by Witness Docs – Stitcher’s newest addition to its portfolio of original content networks, which includes Stitcher Originals and comedy podcast network Earwolf. Witness Docs shows tell the true crime stories that unfold all around us, with sharp reporting, rich characters and expert hosts – ranging from investigative journalists to top producers from leading mainstream and independent studios.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our work with Lynn and Tony on this timely series. We created Witness Docs to offer a platform for reporters to connect with highly engaged audiences,” said Stitcher Chief Content Officer Chris Bannon. “Witness Docs will rely on the essentials of journalism – context, objectivity, investigation – as well as our passion for meaningful storytelling. ‘Deep South,’ with its deep reporting and examination of our country’s history with race, is an important contribution to our national dialogue in these times of protest and demands for justice.”

“Deep South” follows the success of “Verified,” a true crime series that launched earlier this year under the Witness Docs network and hit more than 1 million downloads. Investigative reporter Natasha Del Toro uncovers the story of a policeman turned sex predator and the mission of an international group of women to stop him. In response to thousands of messages from listeners, “Verified” is releasing three bonus episodes to address questions and share reflections of the women’s stories featured on the show. The new episodes launched May 25 on Stitcher Premium and will be available widely in August.

In addition to current hits including Webby award-winner “The Dream,” “Heaven’s Gate” and Gracie award-winner “Sold in America,” new true crime and documentary podcasts are slated to join the Witness Docs lineup this year, including “Short Creek,” the second season of “Unfinished.”

About Stitcher

Stitcher is the best place to listen to, produce and monetize podcasts. The Stitcher app, available for iOS and Android devices, is one of the world’s most popular podcast listening platforms, with a growing network of original content and a premium subscription service. Stitcher is the parent company of Midroll Media, the leading podcast advertising network representing over 200 of the world’s largest podcasts, and networks including top-ranked comedy podcast network Earwolf, Stitcher Originals and Witness Docs. With offices in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco, Stitcher was founded in 2007 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company.