Studio accused of creating copycat versions of hit podcasts

This article appeared as part of the Daily Sensemaker newsletter – one story a day to make sense of the world. To receive it in your inbox, featuring content exclusive to the newsletter, sign up for free here.

A company called Light Knot Studios has been accused of creating copycat versions of popular history podcasts. Many of its shows have names that are practically identical to the originals, often with the word “podcast” tacked onto the end. The artwork is often the same too, but the audio is not. Light Knot Studios says its episodes are the product of “meticulous research”. The apparent fakes were highlighted by Dirk Hoffman-Becking, whose History of the Germans podcast has been mimicked. Many listeners may not be able to spot the difference. Some may not care, unless they have a hankering for diversity. All 75 shows are hosted by the same man.