RAIN Notes: September 24
— Should? What? When? How? (The Podglomerate)
— ASCAP adds Jim Selby
— The case for small (Vickie Nauman)
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Audacy study: Trust, attention, and value
Multi platform radio and audio company Audacy has released a study which canvassed podcast listeners about how they listen, and how they value host endorsements. “Intentional listening” is a key part of this examination, and it leads to dollars spent in three ways. Continue Reading
Spotify adds controls to Taste Profile
Streaming music giant Spotify naturally profiles the tastes of its users, using its understanding of a user’s taste to create personalized playlists. Now Spotify is asking for help. Continue Reading
Recorded music continues 10-year revenue growth (RIAA)
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) shows a revenue report for the first half of 2026, detailing revenue details for recorded music in all its packaged forms. The topline measurement is the continued growth of overall revenue, and the headline number is six billion dollars. Click for details and charts. Continue Reading
Retail & AI lead Magellan podcast advertiser charts
Magellan AI has released its monthly accounting of top podcast advertisers, derived from the company’s proprietary model. The results are estimates, not confirmed dollar amounts. Always interesting on its own merits, there is also a month-over-month view which adds perspective. Continue Reading
Spotify podcast partner program swells in new expansion
Spotify announces that its Partner Program, which creates monetization pathways for creators, has undergone its largest geographic expansion since its founding in 2025. Good for listeners too, Spotify asserts. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: September 18
Libsyn scores All Chewed Up network Venerable podcast hosting platform Libsyn has scored an exclusive deal with All Chewed Up, a food and lifestyle digital network. Libsyn will be the official host, and will handle advertising sales for the network’s… Continue Reading
Can AI run a radio station? Results of Andon Labs experiment
In May of this year we covered an intriguing — and to some, a threatening — experiment. Four AI radio stations were set up, completely staffed by AI models, from DJ to GM. Today we learn what happened. Click for history, details, graphics, and links.
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UMG brings “Slop” lawsuit against DistroKid
Label giant Universal Music Group (UMG) has brought a federal lawsuit against digital music distributor DistroKid, on the grounds of deceptive trade practices, and copyright infringement. The “deceptive trade practices” charge appears to focus on AI-created music. Click for details. Continue Reading
Podcast Movement: A Photo montage
RAIN’s Kurt Hanson attends the Sounds Profitable Business Summit — a podcast industry event — in NYC, and sends back a portfolio of photos. We present a selection.
Complaint and response: Spotify payouts
Star rapper and producer Buster Rhymes is stirring attention with a complaint about Spotify payouts. Continue Reading
Radio for music discovery: A youth thing
A hefty percentage of live radio listeners tune in to the venerable format for music discovery. That discovery comes from British audio research firm MIDiA Research. Continue Reading