Amazon’s paid monthly ebook subscription service, Kindle Unlimited, has rebranded as Kindle+ and erased the usage division between ebooks and audiobooks. is also introducing an important usability feature called the Kindle Click. We urge you to, um, click for more info. Continue Reading
Two meaningful announcements from Spotify. First, a dramatic expansion of its audiobook listening service. Then, a podcast membership scheme. Continue Reading
The 5th Annual Signal Awards announced its 2026 winners. The judging theme is “Recognizing the Risk Takers.” One indicator of the shifting podcast industry is the number of video submissions – nearly doubling the number in last year’s program. Continue Reading
— Outspoken podcast joins Nova slate (Outspoken)
— Charmed partnership (ARN)
Podpoll 26, an Australian podcast consumption survey, has been released by Aussie production house Deadset Studios, with its claim to “know who is really tuning in.” Click for a few crucial data points and link to the study results. Continue Reading
Global podcast company Audioboom released Q3 earnings today. In its announcement, Audioboom is trumpeting “Record Q3 performance in all key financial metrics.” Four key metrics are emphasized. Continue Reading
Steve brought three of his Gen-Z college studnets to Podcast Movement for a live focus group. Three NYU students on stage at Podcast Movement 2026 for a conversation about their media habits. They dug into how they discover podcasts, listen to or watch them, and decide when to bail. Continue Reading
In March we covered the legal outcome of Michael Smith’s fraudulent streaming escapades. He was accused of fraudulently streaming AI-created songs and dishonestly collecting royalties. Now we learn of his sentence. Continue Reading
It’s one thing when audio professionals promote the benefits of audio marketing. It’s another when that principle is identified, quantified, and promoted by a researcher and marketing expert unaffiliated with any particular media category. Mark Ritson, a globally recognized marketing professor and brand consultant, is presenting the results of a marketing study in a presentation called The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio. Click for details and download link. Continue Reading
We learn that Radio’s station count in 2026 dipped for a third straight quarter. But there is nuance. Continue Reading
In this week’s column, James offers five short commentaries, from his appearance at the Audio Festival to the state of Canadian radio. From the Playdate gaming console to Apple Music’s new recording space in London. And more. Continue Reading
— AI expertise in high places (UMG)
— Loving AI … to a point (Kelly Clarkson)
— Appointment (Vickie Nauman)
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