Avi Shushan’s Podcast Featuring Netanyahu Draws Massive Audience and Lucrative Sponsorships

Avi Shushan’s podcast episode featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has garnered significant attention, with over 70,000 YouTube views within four days and 4 million impressions across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok on Shushan’s digital platforms alone. The 1 hour and 45 minute episode was also broadcast in full on Channel 14 and partially on Channels 11, 12, and 13, including programs like "Meet the Press" and "Ofira Ohanah Sari."

The podcast, titled "Everything is Open," is primarily sponsored by the real estate company Donitz Elad, which has a year-and-a-half contract with Shushan. The company’s name appears throughout the episode, including a dedicated real estate segment at the end. The recording took place at Minkovsky Records studios, owned by Ido Minkovsky, a PR and digital advertising group owner, whose branding was prominently displayed during the episode.

Shushan, who started the podcast after being dismissed as spokesperson for Ichilov Hospital, emphasized his goal to control all aspects of the production and retain full rights to the content. He explained that sponsorship deals have significantly increased his income, with the first sponsor paying double what he earned at "Maariv" newspaper. Regarding the Netanyahu episode, Shushan shared that a marketing firm valued the exposure for Donitz Elad at 15 million shekels. He is currently negotiating with three major networks and aims to maintain a high-end brand image without compromising on quality or political neutrality.

Ido Minkovsky described his partnership with Shushan as mutually beneficial, providing studio space and services free of charge in exchange for sponsorship involvement. Minkovsky invested 2 million shekels in the studios in 2024 and additional funds for equipment upgrades. His revenue comes from large clients recording at the studio, with fees ranging from 800 to 2,500 shekels per session. The collaboration is structured as a partnership where Shushan handles content and distribution, while Minkovsky manages production and sponsorships. Following the Netanyahu episode, Shushan secured sponsorship deals for the next two years, marking a turning point in monetizing his podcast.