Chris Colbert

Chris Colbert is the founder of DCP Entertainment. He is also the co-founder of Podstream Studios Times Square. Follow DCP on Twitter here.

Why did you decide to start DCP?
I started DCP Entertainment because I was tired of being frustrated about the lack of opportunities and lack of true representation for underrepresented communities across the media landscape. I wanted DCP to be a space where we can show the diversity of voices, interests and perspectives within marginalized communities like people of color, LGBTQ+, women and individuals with disabilities, while also having a major focus on mental and emotional well-being. And beyond wanting DCP to be the leader in those spaces, we also want to help elevate other podcasters and networks who are doing incredible and authentic work, while also showcasing the value of these underrepresented voices, that way major media companies will take notice and invest in these communities the same way they do when it comes to their white-cis-heterosexual-male focused programming.

Dumb question...what does DCP stand for?
Not a dumb question at all! DCP stands for “Dario Colbert Pinho”. Dario is my cousin, but growing up he was more like my brother. Though we didn’t live together, as a kid, when I would visit him, we would sleep in the same bed and stay up late talking about our life goals and careers. And even though we had different passions in life, and our career choices changed with each conversation, we talked about how we’d always be connected so that we can take care of our families and the people we love. Dario died tragically when he was 22 (I was 20), and so naming DCP Entertainment after him is my way of keeping his name and legacy alive, while following through on our mission to take care of our families and help others. And Dario is definitely still here with me, guiding me each day. 11:11 (spiritual people may get the 11:11 reference)

What’s the work you’re most proud of?
I’m most proud of the work we’re doing with Say Their Name. I can honestly say that we are the first media outlet that is truly giving families impacted by police violence an opportunity to tell their own story, and frame their own narrative, without having to be worried about being taken out of context. Just by speaking with these families we have learned so much more about what is truly happening in communities across the nation, and we’re learning more about how we can directly support these families. And as we are now entering our second season, which debuted January 3, I’m excited that we’re going to help open up the conversation to focus more on the women who have been impacted by police violence. Because too often we don’t hear about the women or the transgendered individuals who are being violated.

What has surprised you about working in podcasting?
I think my biggest surprise has been how collaborative the podcasting space is. Coming from the super competitive landscape of live radio (where I worked for SiriusXM for 11-years), I was pleasantly greeted by the podcasting space that has SO MANY people that want to help elevate each other’s work. It feels like I’ve found my tribe, because back in my radio days, I’d try to partner with local radio stations to help increase audiences for them and for my SiriusXM channels, and I was usually met with confused faces and unanswered calls. So it's great to be working amongst people that understand that audiences can listen to multiple channels or shows.

What’s your favorite/least favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is interviewing and writing scripts for Say Their Name. It's a documentary based series, and so sitting down for long interviews, followed by figuring out how to turn 15+ hours of recorded interviews into 2 hours of cohesive content, is like a fun puzzle project for me. Yes the subject matter can be heavy, but knowing that we are able to use our natural gifts of storytelling to help these families have pieces of work that truly encapsulate the lives of their loved ones (who are no longer alive to tell their own story), and their own experiences, is a true joy to me. And regardless of whatever happens with DCP, this is work I will continue to do the rest of my life… But honestly, my hope is that these crimes will stop so that we don’t have to do this series anymore!

What does the audio industry have to be better about?
This industry (lumping in radio and tv as well) really needs to take a hard look at itself and reevaluate the companies and individuals that we’re celebrating. And by this I’m specifically talking about industry awards. Most awards in media (podcasting is no exception) go to major companies that can afford to pay for multiple entries into multiple awards. Most companies that were started by POC, women, LGBTQ+ or disabled individuals, do not have the financial ability to have their shows recognized the same way, even if they’re producing high quality work. We have organizations like the Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund (I’m also a board member) that are trying to lower that barrier to entry. But the problem is bigger than that. There is a real problem when you look at a prestigious award like the Peabody Awards, and you notice that in their history, they have only once nominated a podcast project created by a company of color as a finalist for their award (let alone win the award). And even last year as Say Their Name won various awards, the Peabodys decided to honor major media companies for projects about Black people killed by police, instead of a Black owned company that is giving a more complete and responsible narrative about these Black families and communities… Obviously I’m biased, but the reason this is a big problem is that these prestigious awards open up opportunities for companies to get more sponsorships, partnership or development deals, and just overall press to bring in new audiences. So something needs to change quickly, and I don’t mind being the one to point out this uncomfortable truth.

Thanks, Chris!