“The Podcast Opportunity” reveals buy-side planning, requirements, and experiences (Sounds Profitable)

Sounds Profitable has released a data+interview report (The Podcast Opportunity) which explores buyer perceptions of podcast advertising. With a rich mix of survey data and qualitative interviews with agencies and brands, this project delivers a holistic understanding of podcast advertiser habits, preferences, and perceptions. Click for a sample of survey results, some quotes, and the download link. Continue Reading

AI set to take over podcasting; majority of listeners approve (Acast study)

Acast sent us a fascinating piece of survey work that questioned podcast listeners about their sentiment toward AI influencing podcasts in over 20 ways. The broad takeaway is approval by listeners for AI in the production process. That approval slants toward technical improvements, with lower levels of acceptance of content manipulations. Click for the interesting details. Continue Reading

Farewell to Stitcher as SiriusXM seeks to consolidate users

In a sad but arguably predictable action, Sirius XM announces it will shut down the Stitcher podcast app in August. Founded in 2008, Stitcher is a venerable brand in the renaissance of podcasting. Existing Stitcher registered users will be shifted to the Sirius XM platform. The decision might have a brand maintenance aspect as well. Click for details. Continue Reading

Legendary pod network TWiT signs with LibSyn/AdvertiseCast for DAI and programmatic

In a notable piece of dealmaking, LibSyn has acquired the podcast ad-monetization business for This Week in Tech (TWiT), one of the most venerable podcast networks. TWiT was founded by tech/podcast celebrity Leo Laporte in 2005, and was one of the world’s first all-tech podcast networks. AdvertiseCast will use its Automatic Ads solution to dynamically fill TWiT’s unsold inventory. Click for more detail.
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Audio sales company AdLarge opens a Labs program for podcast creators and networks

AdLarge, an independent ad sales company which connects all kinds of audio publishers with brands, and brands to audiences, has launched AdLarge Labs. The company describes the new venture as “a digital accelerator program to market, monetize, and maximize opportunities for podcast creators.” It is open to all creators and networks. Click for details and key to the waitlist. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AI and Radio

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland holds forth on AI. “Any technology can be used for good and for bad. Just ask anyone who’s used Twitter,” he notes. James harkens back in time to when computers were introduced in radio studios, and suggests that while AI shouldn’t replace DJs, it can improve other parts of a station’s output — he mentions traffic and weather. Also: 7 links of interest. Continue Reading

Australia: Online radio listening vaults upward; podcast listening all-time high in Edison Research Infinite Dial

Preeminent audio consumer survey and knowledge company Edison Research has released The Infinite Dial 2023 Australia, the seventh annual edition of its comprehensive survey of listening habits, preferences, and trends. We examine podcast listening trends, and compare them to the American population. Click for details and graphs. Continue Reading