📋 Overview

You've received a demand letter from a sponsor or brand claiming breach of your podcast sponsorship agreement. Podcast sponsorship disputes often involve questions about deliverables, download metrics, disclosure compliance, and performance expectations. This guide will help you understand your position and respond strategically.

Performance vs. Delivery

Unless you guaranteed specific sales/conversions (inadvisable), you're responsible for delivering agreed ad reads - not for the sponsor's business results.

FTC Disclosure

Proper disclosure of sponsored content is required. "Brought to you by" or "sponsored by" typically satisfies requirements under FTC Endorsement Guides.

Metrics Verification

If download numbers are disputed, your hosting platform's analytics (especially IAB 2.1 certified) are your primary evidence.

Common Podcast Sponsorship Claims

  • Non-delivery - Sponsor claims ad reads weren't published or were incomplete
  • Metrics disputes - Claimed download/listen numbers were inflated or not achieved
  • Disclosure failures - Allegations of improper FTC disclosure
  • Content violations - Ad read didn't match approved script or brand guidelines
  • Performance claims - Product didn't sell as sponsor expected
  • Exclusivity breach - Claims you promoted competing products
  • Refund demands - Sponsor wants money back for various reasons
$450
Professional Response on Letterhead

Case review, response letter addressing sponsor claims, and strategic guidance for your specific situation.

Schedule Review

🔍 Evaluate the Claim

Before responding, gather your documentation and carefully assess whether the sponsor's claims have merit.

Risk Assessment Matrix

Claim Type Potential Exposure Risk Level
Complete Non-Delivery Full refund + consequential damages if provable HIGH
FTC Disclosure Violation Regulatory action + sponsor indemnification claims HIGH
Metrics Misrepresentation Partial refund + fraud allegations if intentional MEDIUM
Script/Content Deviation Partial refund or re-recording costs MEDIUM
Poor Sales Performance Generally none - business risk is sponsor's LOW

📄 Agreement Documents

  • ✓ Signed sponsorship agreement/contract
  • ✓ Insertion order or campaign brief
  • ✓ Approved script or talking points
  • ✓ Any guaranteed metrics or KPIs

📝 Delivery Evidence

  • ✓ Episode files with timestamps
  • ✓ Hosting platform download analytics
  • ✓ Publication date confirmation
  • ✓ Communications confirming delivery

Check Your Metrics Source

If metrics are disputed, your hosting platform's analytics are key. IAB 2.1 certified measurement (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Megaphone, Simplecast, etc.) provides industry-standard verification. Third-party verification can help if the sponsor questions your numbers.

🛡 Defense Strategies

Podcast sponsorship claims often fail because sponsors misunderstand what they purchased. Here are your key defenses.

Full Delivery of Contracted Services

If you delivered all agreed-upon ad reads in the specified episodes, published on time, and made proper disclosures, you've fulfilled your obligations. The sponsor's dissatisfaction with their own product's performance is not your liability.

When to use: You have evidence of complete delivery per the agreement.

No Performance Guarantee

Podcast advertising, like all advertising, doesn't guarantee results. Unless your contract specifically guaranteed sales, conversions, or other outcomes, the sponsor bears the business risk. You sell access to your audience, not guaranteed purchases.

When to use: Sponsor claims poor sales/conversions despite proper delivery.

Proper FTC Disclosure Made

FTC Endorsement Guides require clear disclosure of material connections. Standard disclosures like "This episode is sponsored by..." or "Brought to you by..." typically satisfy requirements. If you made proper disclosures, you've complied with law.

When to use: Sponsor alleges disclosure violations but you disclosed properly.

Sponsor's Own Breach

If the sponsor failed to pay, delivered materials late, or otherwise breached their obligations first, you may have grounds to excuse non-performance or assert counterclaims. First breach by the sponsor can be a complete defense.

When to use: Sponsor didn't pay, was late with materials, or violated their obligations.

Metrics Per Industry Standards

If your download numbers came from IAB 2.1 certified measurement, these are the industry standard. Sponsors who later claim numbers were "inflated" must explain why industry-standard measurement is wrong.

When to use: Metrics disputes where you use certified measurement.

Weak Defenses to Avoid

  • "Other sponsors are happy" - Irrelevant to this specific dispute
  • "Their product is bad" - Could expose you to defamation claims
  • "Downloads are unpredictable" - If you quoted specific numbers
  • "I'm a small podcaster" - Size doesn't excuse contract breach

⚖ Response Options

Choose your response strategy based on the strength of your position and business considerations.

Defend with Documentation

If you fully delivered, respond formally with evidence: episode files, analytics, disclosure timestamps, and publication confirmations. Professional response often resolves meritless claims.

  • Shows you take claims seriously
  • Preserves all defenses
  • Creates legal record

Negotiate Partial Resolution

If there were minor issues (late delivery, script deviation), offering partial make-good or bonus ad reads may preserve the relationship and avoid escalation.

  • Maintains sponsor relationships
  • Avoids public disputes
  • Faster resolution

Assert Counterclaims

If the sponsor breached first (non-payment, late materials), you may have grounds for your own claims. Sometimes the best defense is offense.

  • Recovers your losses
  • Changes negotiation dynamic
  • Deters frivolous claims

Offer Make-Good Content

If you want to preserve the relationship or there were legitimate shortfalls, offer additional ad reads, bonus episodes, or social promotion as make-good.

  • No cash out of pocket
  • Shows good faith
  • May lead to future business

Our Response Services

  • 📄 Demand letter: Flat fee $450
  • ⏱️ Extended negotiation: $240/hr
  • 📊 Contingency: 33-40% for strong claims

Reputation Considerations

The podcast sponsorship world is relatively small. Major sponsors and agencies share information about problematic podcasters. Consider whether a modest resolution protects your future sponsorship opportunities better than an adversarial fight, even if you'd likely win.

📝 Sample Response Letter

Customize this response template for your situation.

Podcast Sponsorship Claim Response Letter
Re: Response to Demand Letter - [PODCAST NAME] Sponsorship Campaign Dear [SPONSOR/AGENCY NAME]: We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated [DATE] regarding the sponsorship campaign for [PRODUCT/BRAND] on [PODCAST NAME]. We take this matter seriously and respond as follows. Per our agreement dated [CONTRACT DATE], we contracted to deliver [NUMBER] host-read advertisements across [NUMBER] episodes during [CAMPAIGN PERIOD]. Our records confirm full delivery as follows: - Episode [#]: Published [DATE], ad read at timestamp [TIME] - Episode [#]: Published [DATE], ad read at timestamp [TIME] [CONTINUE FOR ALL EPISODES] Each episode included proper FTC disclosure identifying the content as sponsored. Per our hosting platform's IAB 2.1 certified analytics, these episodes achieved [DOWNLOAD NUMBERS] downloads during the first [30/60/90] days, which [met/exceeded] the estimated reach provided during campaign negotiation. [IF PERFORMANCE CLAIM: We note that our agreement does not guarantee any specific sales, conversions, or other business outcomes. We delivered access to our audience through quality host-read integrations as agreed. Advertising results vary based on many factors outside our control, including product-market fit, landing page conversion, and competitive factors.] [IF NON-PAYMENT: We also note that per our agreement, payment of $[AMOUNT] was due on [DATE]. As of this response, we have not received this payment. We reserve all rights regarding this outstanding balance.] Based on our complete delivery of contracted services, we respectfully decline your request for refund. We remain open to discussing this matter professionally. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [PODCAST NAME]

Related Resources

Influencer Response Hub Streamer Platform Response Business Contract Response

🚀 Next Steps

Immediate actions to protect your podcast and business.

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Collect contract, episode files, analytics exports, and all communications with the sponsor.

Step 2: Export Analytics

Download your hosting platform's analytics for the campaign period. Timestamp them now.

Step 3: Respond in Writing

Send formal written response within 30 days. Don't ignore the demand letter.

Step 4: Preserve Evidence

Keep copies of everything. If episodes are still live, archive them in case of later disputes.

If They Threaten Legal Action

  • Check contract jurisdiction - Where would any lawsuit be filed?
  • Review limitation of liability - Many contracts cap damages
  • Assess counterclaims - Do they owe you money?
  • Consider cost-benefit - Is fighting worth more than resolution?

If They Post Negative Content

  • Document everything - Screenshots of any defamatory statements
  • Consider response options - Sometimes silence is better than engagement
  • Consult on defamation - False statements of fact may be actionable

Protect Your Podcast Business

Sponsorship disputes can threaten your reputation and future deals. Get professional help crafting an effective response.

Schedule Consultation - $450

Resources

  • FTC Endorsement Guides: ftc.gov/endorsement-guides - Disclosure requirements
  • IAB Podcast Measurement: iab.com - Industry measurement standards
  • Podcast Standards Project: podcaststandardsproject.com - Best practices