Insider Buying at PodcastOne Signals Confidence in a Growing Podcast Network

The latest 4‑form filing shows D. Jonathan Merriman purchasing 7,700 shares of PodcastOne at $2.30 each, bringing his holdings to 361,432 shares—about 1.1 % of the outstanding shares. This is the eighth consecutive month of buying by Merriman, who has steadily increased his stake since the beginning of 2026. The purchase occurs against a backdrop of a modest 0.04 % price gain on a day when the stock dipped 3.67 % from the previous week, and yet the trade has attracted 115 % more social‑media buzz than average, indicating that investors are paying close attention to insider activity.

What Does the Buying Spell for Investors?

Merriman’s consistent purchases suggest he believes the company’s fundamentals are improving. PodcastOne’s revenue model—advertising‑supported podcasts with a focus on high‑profile genres—has been gaining traction, and the company’s cash position remains strong. The 2026‑05‑26 52‑week high of $5.20, combined with a 31 % year‑to‑date gain, signals that the market is beginning to recognize the value in a creator‑first platform. For shareholders, the insider buying may be a green flag: if the people closest to the company see upside, it could bode well for future earnings, especially as LiveOne expands its stake and explores merger synergies that could unlock cost efficiencies.

Merriman’s Historical Pattern

Looking back, Merriman has made a series of purchases that have steadily built his position. In March and April 2026 he bought roughly 30‑k shares at $2.22‑$3.20 per share, and in May he added another 7,000 shares at $4.38, the highest price paid in the current window. His most recent trades, including the 7,700‑share buy on 2026‑09‑16, have all been at prices near the market close, suggesting a strategy of gradual accumulation rather than opportunistic dumping. Importantly, Merriman has never sold any of his PodcastOne shares in the past 12 months, indicating a long‑term commitment.

Implications for the Company’s Future

PodcastOne is in the middle of a strategic partnership with LiveOne, which now owns about 20.8 million shares. LiveOne’s additional purchases and the potential for a merger could create a larger, more efficient entertainment ecosystem. Merriman’s continued buying could be interpreted as an endorsement of that trajectory. If the merger proceeds, the combined entity may be able to leverage cross‑promotional opportunities and reduce overhead, potentially driving future earnings growth. For investors, the insider activity provides an early signal that the company’s leadership is confident in a path toward value creation.

Bottom Line for Readers

  • Insider confidence: Merriman’s uninterrupted buying streak points to management’s belief in long‑term upside.
  • Strategic context: LiveOne’s growing stake and possible merger add a layer of growth potential.
  • Market sentiment: Despite a recent dip, the trade generated above‑average buzz, indicating that analysts and retail investors are watching closely.

For anyone tracking PodcastOne, Merriman’s transactions offer a useful barometer of insider sentiment, and the broader partnership with LiveOne could pave the way for significant scale and profitability in the next 12 months.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-09-16MERRIMAN D JONATHAN ()Buy7,700.002.30Common Stock, $0.00001 par value
N/AMERRIMAN D JONATHAN ()Holding5,200.00N/ACommon Stock, $0.00001 par value
N/AMERRIMAN D JONATHAN ()Holding249,363.00N/ACommon Stock, $0.00001 par value