TWiT.tv has established itself as a prominent player in the technology podcast landscape since its founding in 2005. Operating with approximately 42 employees and generating an estimated annual revenue of $5.4 million, TWiT delivers a diverse range of technology-focused content through multiple shows and platforms. This report examines the company’s ownership structure, financial performance, and provides a ranked assessment of their podcast offerings.
Company Overview and History
TWiT.tv (This Week in Tech) was founded in 2005 by Leo Laporte, who serves as the network’s primary talent and public face23. Initially starting with a handful of technology-focused shows, the network has evolved through several studio locations and now offers approximately 15 shows across both public and subscription platforms3. Based in Petaluma, California, the company appears to be transitioning to a remote operation model according to recent statements from their CEO13.
The network’s original mission remains consistent: providing technology news, reviews, and educational content to keep listeners informed about developments in the tech world2. TWiT.tv has adapted to industry changes over the years, expanding beyond purely ad-supported content to include membership options and diverse revenue streams.
Ownership and Management Structure
TWiT.tv operates under the leadership of a husband-and-wife team:
Key Leadership
- Leo Laporte – Founder and “Chief TWiT,” serving as the primary on-air talent and the creative force behind many of the network’s shows23
- Lisa Laporte – CEO since approximately 2010, having joined the company in 200813
The management team includes various specialized roles that support TWiT’s production needs:
- Ryan Smith – VP Partnerships
- Benito Gonzalez – Editor, Technical Director, Engineer
- John Slanina – Studio Manager
- Several producers, editors, and technical directors1
Lisa Laporte has described their complementary roles, with Leo focusing on creative and on-air content while she handles business operations and strategic direction3. This division of responsibilities has allowed the company to maintain its technical credibility while developing sustainable business practices.
Financial Performance
TWiT.tv’s financial profile includes:
- Estimated annual revenue of $5.4 million1
- Revenue per employee of approximately $128,0001
- A workforce of 42 employees (following a 21% reduction from the previous year)1
The company has diversified its revenue streams over time, moving from:
- Initially being primarily fan-supported through donations
- Transitioning to ad-supported content as the primary revenue driver
- Later adding Club TWiT subscription service ($7/month) for ad-free content and exclusive shows
- Expanding into B2B advertising relationships3
While the search results don’t specify net profits, the company appears financially stable based on its longevity and continued operation. The strategic evolution of revenue sources suggests an adaptable business approach in the changing podcast industry landscape.
TWiT Podcast Shows: Ranked Assessment
Based on available information including Apple ratings, longevity, prominence in network promotion, and position in the search results, here is a ranked assessment of TWiT’s podcast offerings:
1. This Week in Tech (TWiT)
Apple Rating: 3.9/5
This is TWiT’s flagship and namesake show, featuring Leo Laporte and a rotating panel of technology journalists discussing the week’s most significant tech news24. As the original and foundational program of the network, it carries the highest profile and is prominently featured in all marketing materials. The show’s format of expert roundtable discussion has proven durable and influential4.
2. Security Now
Security Now features security expert Steve Gibson discussing current cybersecurity threats, risks, and data breaches2. Its high ranking is justified by its longevity (one of the original shows) and the critical importance of its subject matter in today’s digital landscape. The show’s focus on detailed technical explanations of security concepts provides substantial value to listeners2.
3. MacBreak Weekly
Apple Rating: 3.9/5
This Apple-focused show features Leo Laporte alongside Jason Snell, Andy Ihnatko, and Alex Lindsay analyzing Apple news, products, and ecosystem developments24. Its consistent Apple rating and prominent position in network listings indicate strong performance and listener engagement, particularly among the Apple user community4.
4. Windows Weekly
This Microsoft-centric podcast covers Windows, Office, Xbox, and enterprise technologies2. Its position as one of TWiT’s original shows and its focused coverage of the Microsoft ecosystem for business and consumer users contributes to its high ranking. The continued relevance of Microsoft products in both consumer and enterprise markets ensures this show maintains significant appeal2.
5. iOS Today
Apple Rating: 4.1/5
Hosted by Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent, this show focuses on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV tips and applications24. Its slightly higher Apple rating (4.1/5) than some longer-running shows suggests strong recent performance and audience satisfaction with its practical, user-focused content4.
6. Tech News Weekly
Apple Rating: 4/5
This show features interviews with tech journalists discussing the top technology stories of the week24. Its strong Apple rating and focused format targeting the most significant weekly developments gives it broad appeal beyond specialized technology interests4.
7. Intelligent Machines
A newer addition to the lineup focusing on artificial intelligence pioneers, innovations, and industry developments2. Given the explosive growth and interest in AI technologies, this show addresses a timely and increasingly important topic, likely giving it strong audience growth potential despite being newer than some other offerings2.
8. This Week in Space
Covering space exploration news, Mars missions, and developments in astronomy and space technology2. The specialized nature of the content may appeal to a narrower audience than some of TWiT’s more general technology shows, but likely maintains a dedicated following within that niche2.
9. Hands-On Mac
Apple Rating: Not Specified
Hosted by Mikah Sargent, this show offers tips, app recommendations, and accessory reviews for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users24. Its practical focus on helping users get more from their Apple devices gives it utility-based appeal4.
10. Hands-On Windows
Similar to its Mac counterpart, this show provides tips and guidance for Windows 11 users2. The more recent focus on Windows 11 specifically may limit its historical catalog but provides timely relevance for current Windows users2.
11. Hands-On Tech
A thematically-organized show providing troubleshooting advice and solutions for various technology problems2. The problem-solution format gives it practical appeal, though its broader focus may make it less essential than the platform-specific “Hands-On” variants2.
12. Home Theater Geeks
Focusing on home theater setups, display technology, audio improvements, and entertainment system optimization2. While likely valuable to its target audience, the specialized nature of home theater technology places it lower in the overall ranking2.
13. Untitled Linux Show
Covering Linux news for desktop, gaming, and enterprise applications2. The specialized nature of Linux as a computing platform naturally limits its potential audience compared to more mainstream technology topics, though it likely serves an important niche for the network2.
Business Model and Revenue Streams
TWiT has evolved its business model significantly since its founding:
Ad-Supported Content
The company initially relied heavily on advertising but has been selective about ad partnerships, focusing on products relevant to their technology-focused audience3. Lisa Laporte has emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in advertising relationships rather than simply maximizing revenue3.
Club TWiT Subscription
Launched as a diversification strategy, Club TWiT provides ad-free versions of all shows plus exclusive content for $7 monthly3. This subscription service helps reduce dependency on advertising while strengthening connection with core fans.
Industry Positioning
TWiT has positioned itself as a more authentic alternative to some larger podcast networks, with Lisa Laporte noting that some clients are returning to TWiT after experiencing issues with larger networks’ audience metrics and advertising practices3.
Conclusion
TWiT.tv represents a successful example of a specialized podcast network that has adapted to the evolving digital media landscape while maintaining focus on its core technology audience. Under the leadership of Leo and Lisa Laporte, the company has evolved from a small operation to a multi-million dollar business with diverse revenue streams.
The network’s show portfolio offers varying levels of specialized and general technology content, with flagship programs like This Week in Tech maintaining strong positions while newer offerings address emerging technology trends. The transition to incorporate subscription services alongside traditional advertising demonstrates strategic adaptability in a competitive podcast marketplace.
As the podcast industry continues to evolve, TWiT’s combination of technical credibility, business diversification, and audience focus positions it well for continued operation, though competition from larger networks and platform-specific challenges will require ongoing adaptation and innovation.
