<div id="readability-page-1"><div> In the news release, Arena Radio Goes All-In on Podcasts: First Listen-to-Earn Service Launches Worldwide, issued May 12, 2026 by Arena Radio over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative of the company that updates have been made to the fifth and sixth paragraphs. The complete, corrected release follows: <h2>Arena Radio Goes All-In on Podcasts: First Listen-to-Earn Service Launches Worldwide</h2> PHOENIX, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arena Radio, the creator-led music streaming platform, today announced the worldwide launch of its new podcast division, the industry's first subscription-free, ad-free network powered by an integrated decentralized economy. By eliminating traditional advertising and paywalls, Arena Radio is shifting the podcasting paradigm to a direct-value model where every stream generates benefits for both content owners and listeners. The End of &#34;Free-to-Stream&#34;Traditional podcasting has long depended on unpredictable ad sponsorships, forcing creators to trade audience attention for unreliable revenue. Arena Radio redefines this model with a listen-to-earn system that pays creators $0.03 for every full episode view. At the same time, listeners earn $0.01 per completed episode, which can be used as cash discounts for merchandise or converted into digital value.Arena Radio's model allows podcasters to turn their audience into a business:<ul><li>100% Profit Retention: Creators keep 100% of the net profit generated from sales of branded apparel the company produces in-house, turning each episode into a direct commerce channel.</li><li>The $XRU Royalty Stack: Creators can convert their viewership credits into $XRU, the company's native stable coin, providing a liquid, tradable digital asset that grows alongside network adoption.</li><li>Production Suite: Every creator receives free access to a professional suite of production tools, including human-generated and royalty-free music, and one-click distribution to over 20 global podcast platforms.</li></ul>&#34;For too long, podcasters have been forced to act as middlemen for advertisers,&#34; said Damon Evans, Chairman &amp; CEO, Arena Music Group. &#34;Arena makes it possible for creators to build actual equity through branded apparel transactions and the platform's token economy so they no longer have to rent their audience to third-party brands.&#34;Incentivizing the ListenerListeners are no longer just passive consumers. Through the Arena Radio app, listeners earn $0.01 in credits per episode they complete. These credits act as cash discounts on custom merchandise, or can be converted into $XRU, effectively sharing the platform's success with the people who make it possible. The company has branded the concept &#34;Consumption Mining,&#34; a model where consumer transactions for physical goods and services contribute to value creation within a token-based economy. Launch and Early Adopter IncentiveThe listen-to-earn podcast service will be available worldwide starting May 28, 2026 and is currently available on an invite basis. To support early adopters, Arena Radio has allocated $2.5 million in incentives over the next 90 days. Top shows, including &#34;Crypto Insiders,&#34; &#34;Behind the Brand,&#34; &#34;Tech You Can Use,&#34; and &#34;The Indie Hustle,&#34; have already committed to joining the platform.Interested creators can establish a free profile and join the new audio economy at www.arenaradio.com.About ArenaArena is a global music movement designed to create a sustainable and equitable economy for artists, investors, and music fans. Download the Arena Radio app and listen to unlimited streaming music without advertisements or a monthly subscription. Learn more at www.arena.com.Media Contact: Nathan Hicks 602-357-3288 414225@email4pr.com <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png/query-c2Q9MjAyNi0wNS0xNSZzbj1QSDU2MzUxQQ?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="16" height="16" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png/query-c2Q9MjAyNi0wNS0xNSZzbj1QSDU2MzUxQQ"/> View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arena-radio-goes-all-in-on-podcasts-first-listen-to-earn-service-launches-worldwide-302769200.htmlSOURCE Arena Radio</div></div>

GBTC

COIN

LMBO

ARKF

HOOX

Arena Radio has launched a new podcast division, introducing the first listen-to-earn service that eliminates traditional advertising. Creators earn $0.03 per episode view, while listeners receive $0.01, redeemable for merchandise discounts or digital value. The platform allows 100% profit retention for creators and features a token economy with the $XRU stable coin. The service will be available worldwide starting May 28, 2026, with $2.5 million in incentives for early adopters.

- Arena Radio has announced the global launch of its subscription-free, ad-free podcast division, which features a listen-to-earn model for both creators and listeners.  
- Creators earn $0.03 per episode viewed, while listeners receive $0.01, which can be redeemed for merchandise or converted into digital currency.  
- The service will be available starting May 28, 2026, with $2.5 million allocated for early adopter incentives and major shows committed to the platform.

/C O R R E C T I O N — Arena Radio/