Pod Drop
New podcasts of note.
The Jab (The Economist) / The Washies (Westwood One) / Suave (Futuro Studios & PRX)
Tap for details. Continue Reading
Author: Brad Hill
Two Radiolab podcasts win duPont-Columbia awards
WNYC Studios’ Radiolab has been honored with two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards. One is for the serialized series The Other Latif and the other is for The Flag and the Fury. It’s not the first time WNYC has been recognized by duPont-Columbia. Continue Reading
Digital audio listening +8.3% in 2020. More increase projected for 2021.
In a new eMarketer report, US Time Spent with Media 2021 Update, the company states that time spent on digital audio listening grew 8.3% in 2020. Projecting to this year, eMarketer expects a further time-spent gain of 4.8%. The time-spent gap between digital media and “traditional” media is widening over several years. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio introduces 3D / binaural audio for podcast production
iHeartRadio is announcing the launch of iHeart 3D Audio, using binaural recording and production techniques. The company will debut a new slate of podcasts in this new category of experiential media — Aaron Mahnke will be involved in that effort. Bonus episodes of The Ron Burgundy Podcast will also be created in 3D mode. Click through for a link to a demo reel. Continue Reading
As Clubhouse takes off, Mark Cuban readies Fireside, a live audio sort-of-podcast app
The buzz and activity surrounding Clubhouse, a new audio social app for chatting and meetings, indicate an appetite for social audio experiences. Reports are swirling about a looming, well-funded competitor called Fireside, reportedly co-founded by Mark Cuban. Click through for what we know now, and perspective on a growing category. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: Tuesday Feb. 9
Jottings of note:
NASA podcasts relaunch … their logos
“Surprise! NASA’s podcast portfolio has a brand new look,” says Kate Atkinson, NASA’s podcast producer. We don’t see podcast art celebrations often. This one is well deserved.
Apple seeks head of international podcasts
Apple is engaged in a major recruiting effort for Head of International, Apple Podcasts. The company is seeking “Significant and relevant international management experience in the Podcast industry.”
Big growth of spanish and Portguese podcasts: Spotify
On Spotify, the number of podcasts in Spanish and Portuguese has grown more than 400%. That from Raúl Rivera, Spotify Sales Director for South America.
— Tuesday, February 9 Continue Reading
President Biden’s not-podcast, not-radio weekly address
Following a tradition of weekly radio addresses started by Franklin D. Roosevelt, revivied by Reagan, and carried forward in different forms by other chief executives, President Biden has launched a weekly communication series. It won’t be on the radio, though — a White House spokesperson told Engadget that Biden’s weekly chat with Americans will be “where people are.” (That has to feel insulting to radio, especially considering radio’s 93% reach.) So … what is this thing? Continue Reading
Chartable 2020 Review: “Incredible growth in every metric we track”
Chartable released its latest podcast report which details 2020 measurements and makes a few general predictions for 2021. Overall, the data and tone of the report are bullish. Click through for details, graphics, and a (free) link to the report. Continue Reading
Apple TV+ developing TV show from Wondery podcast
Wondery founder Hernan Lopez announced that Apple TV+ is set to produce We Crashed, an adaptation of Wondery’s podcast WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork. The limited run series will star Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway. It will be produced by Apple Studios. Continue Reading
Podcast Radio launches an original podcast with ex-BBC talent
Podcast Radio, the UK DAB+ venture which programs podcasts 24/7, has notified us of a new and original fiction podcast starring former BBC announcer Patrick Muirhead. The show is described as “a series of fictional mystery stories set in the remote tropical island paradise of Seychelles where [Muirhead] now lives.” It is the second original podcast produced by Podcast Radio. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: Monday Feb. 8
Jottings of note:
Financial literacy podcast Earn Your Leisure joins the Black Effect Podcast Network
The podcast, which has amassed more than five million downloads, applies an in-depth lens on the role money plays in sports, entertainment, and business.
Deezer recognized Black History Month with specialized content
The global streaming platform launched Deezer Black History Month Sessions featuring all original music recordings. Also, highlighting 26 original podcasts featuring black hosts and/or guests.
Podcaster Pence
Hardly a President, VP, or First Spouse who isn’t getting into the game. Today we hear the recently unemployed Mike Pence will launch a video podcast to “share the good news of conservatism.” He will collaborate with the Young America’s Foundation.
— Monday, February 8 Continue Reading
Nielsen signs three agencies to its Podcast Buying Power Service
Nielsen has sent around a notice of “a trio of agencies” that have subscribed to the Nielsen Podcast Buying Power Service. They are Active International, Ad Results Media, and Oxford Road. Nielsen’s service offers insights spanning 18 genres that can be cross-referenced against a massive category of consumer purchase behavior patterns and services usage. The extensive Scarborough category database is leveraged in the service. Continue Reading