Libsyn reveals 2025 “surge”
Comprehensive podcast platform Libsyn announced a 48% year-0ver-year ad-revenue surge for 2025. The growth drivers are separated into four parts. Continue Reading
News
$40B lost to sound and sports piracy: New government report
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR.gov) has released a daunting report: “2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy.” In it we see dozens of online piracy operations; the 61-page report describes each of them, their general purpose and particular specialties. The documentation might seem depressing, but there is a ray of light. Continue Reading
Podstock releases AI assistant promising podcast publisher liberation
Podcast analytics and management platform Podstock has launched an AI client assistant called Agent. The company is differentiating this product by placing Agent directly into client workflows, where it can liberate users from manual tasks. Click for key details and link toan explanatory video. Continue Reading
Podcasting reaches more than half of U.S. population (new Triton study)
In Triton Digital’s newly released U.S. Podcast Report 2025, a concise presentation of 14 slides give us key takeaways about audience composition, listening trends, and much more. Continue Reading
Nielsen modernizes, launching “mSurvey” for digital data collection
Audience measurement giant Nielsen has launched mSurvey, a modernization of how the influential data company collects the opinions and habits of U.S. radio listeners. It’s a digital diary mechanism. intended to complement or replace the traditional paper consumer diaries. Continue Reading
February podcast production drops to new 12-month low (Listen Notes)
In the latest monthly statistical sheet at Listen Notes (HERE), we see a dramatic 12% drop in new podcast creation in February, compared to January. That drop also is a 13-month low in productivity. There is also a broader picture. Click for details. Continue Reading
Cumulus Media files second bankruptcy; $600M at stake
Radio/audio giant Cumulus Media has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is what is called a prepackaged agreement designed to eliminate $600 million in debt. Daily company operations are expected to continue as usual. Continue Reading
RAIN Time Travel: March 2016 headlines
In this monthly feature, we look back one decade and revisit selected headlines. Today — highlights from March 2016. Happy decade surfing. Jay-Z may sue Tidal’s original owners PodcastOne launches Premium membership Spotify raises $1-billion in debt offering keyed to… Continue Reading
Audio and podcasts best venues for consumer engagement in sports (Audacy)
We see a new research output from audio behemoth Audacy, part of the Audacy Shorts series. This installment is titled State of Audio: Sports Fandom. The key word in this presentation is “avid,” and it’s not the first time Audacy has hammered on the idea of avidity as a desirable audience characteristic. Continue Reading
NAB 2026 Crystal Radio Award winners
The 10 winners of the 39th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards have been revealed, announced today at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.. The award is based on exceptional community service. Click for winners. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: March 2
Music and mental health – Owen Grover
The sound of promotionr – Apple Music (and candy) Continue Reading
Music streamer Quboz implements AI detection
French music streaming and download service Qobuz has added an AI detection system to its service, intending to keep non-human music creations out of its platform. The system accomplishes two goals. Continue Reading