RAIN Time Travel: December 2015 headlines
In this monthly feature, we look back one decade to December 2015, and revisit selected headlines. Click any item to visit the article. Happy decade surfing. Continue Reading
Author: Brad Hill
James Cridland’s Radioland – WSQK: showing how radio innovates unlike no other
by James Cridland
In this week’s column, James assesses innovation in radio. American: no innovation for 19 years. Other part of the world get kinder marks, and this iece focuses on WSQK, a globally produced station owned by, um, British network Global. Thing is, WSQK is a pop-up station that fits into the Stranger Things franchise — “a full, 24/7, six-week long radio station deep into the Stranger Things universe,” as James explains. “And everything is perfect”. James invokes real stations to listen — the writing and production are superb — and take notes. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: November 26
Setting the agenda – Podfest
Positioning for glory – Sounds Profitable / The Podglomerate Continue Reading
$20M lawsuit pits true crime podcast against its true crime network
Podcast production house Audiochuck, which was founded by Ashley Flowers, is being sued by the Anatomy of Murder podcast, in a case of a client bringing a lawsuit against its service provider. At the center of the argument is a disagreement about “fair share.” Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: November 25
Giving thanks – Dave Van Dyke, Bridge Ratings Media Research
The podcast low point for women – USC Anenberg Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: November 24
“Good news… – Rob Greenlee, New Media Show
Behind the podscenes – Hollywood Reporter
AI, audio, and more – IAB Leadership Meeting
Measuring Infinity – Edison Research Continue Reading
Record labels: Important but challenged (MIDiA Research)
London based research consultancy MIDiA Research has released a brief, densely packed infographic titled The Future of Labels. It is both a diagnosis and prescription. Five key tenets are offered. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: November 20, 2025
Rippling – – Pacific Standard Time
Gratis – RSS.com
Apple charts the top pods – plus RAIN reformat
Apple announced its calculation of the most popular podcasts in 2025. The report offers several views of the information: Top Shows, Top New Shows, Most Followed Shows. Most Shared Shows, and Top Channels. We shuffled the information to reveal how the top shows are distributed among the different types — e.g. new shows, series, shows shared the most, followed the most, and subscription podcasts. Click for a unique graphic. Continue Reading
Spotify courts creators with expanded song info
Here’s the pitch: “Spotlighting the people, connections, and stories behind your music.” Spotify is enhancing one of its artist features, and introducing a new one. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: November 19, 2025
That ime of year – – Jacobs Media
The Tops – iHeart Rewind
Album Survival – Keith Jopling
More spending and more spenders: Magellan Q3 benchmark report
Podcast advertising analytics platform Magellan AI has released the Q3 edition of its quarterly podcast advertising benchmark report. In it, we learn that Q3 spending rose compared to Q2, and also compared to the previous year’s Q2. Click for details and the source. Continue Reading