Podcasting is “coming of age” in China, according to a new report from eMarketer. The research firm projects double-digit growth through 2025. However, even as the growth involves large numbers of people consuming podcasts due to China’s immense population size, the percentage of that population remains small compared to the U.S. Continue Reading
We’ve noted FieldCast as a company which evangelizes and enables corporate podcasting — enterprise audio produced by executive leaders to communicate with company staff. Now comes a note that FieldCast has partnered with Blue, the venerable microphone maker whose cost-effective Yeti USB desktop mic is much used by podcasters bootstrapping new shows. Continue Reading
InternetFM, the venerable streaming radio app, has issued an update to its Android and iOS versions, providing smart new customization options that add an on-demand feeling to the app experience. Click for details. Continue Reading
Triton Digital has released its Australian Podcast Ranker for July. “Hamish & Andy” is in the top spot — a weekly podcast. Australian media group ARN is the top publisher for July. Click for details. Continue Reading
Called The 11th, a new podcast from Audacy-owned Pineapple Street Studios, is starting with a monthly episode release date of — yes, the 11th of each month. That is the only structure of a show whose producers call a “mystery box.” Episodes are called editions, and can contain multiple episodes. Click to untangle. Continue Reading
Edison releases the U.S. Top 50 Podcasts for the full year span of Q3-2020 through Q2-2021. It is characterized by the same level of stability shown in all rankers — eight of the top 10 shows are identical to the full-year 2020 list from Edison. But as a consumer research project, Edison’s ranker has much more reach than server-side client measurement such as Podtrac’s monthly rankers. “The Joe Rogan Experience” lands in the #1 spot … again. Continue Reading
HBO Max, which promotes 25 podcasts on its website, is planning a deeper push into original audio programming. One effort will be Batman: The Audio Adventures, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and DC Comics. The announcement was made at last week’s Podcast Movement conference in Nashville. Continue Reading
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s is partnering with PRX to launch a branded podcast. Called Blackberry Jams, the show drops August 31. The trailer is out now. Click for more info and link. Continue Reading
In a trans-continental venture, iHeartMedia is partnering with French media company NRJ Group to create new French podcasts, translate existing iHeart podcasts, and use iHeart subsidiary Triton Digital to monetize everything via French audiences. Click for details. Continue Reading
Jottings of Note
— Jab History (iHeartMedia)
— Death x3 (Wondery)
— Expansion (Bauer Media)
Spotify is testing a new service tier called “Plus,” which, for $0.99 per month, offers a little more interactivity than Spotify Free. If implemented, it would provide a middle-ground service between total lean-back (Spotify Free) and total lean-in (Spotify Premium). Continue Reading
Podtrac released its Top Podcasts monthly ranker for July. There is always a good deal month-over-month repetition in this ranker, as top shows continue their success reaching listeners. This month, we compared the July 2021 list with the July 2020 list to get a year-over-year view of repeat appearances. Continue Reading