News 132 - RAIN News

Marketplace joins with Westwood One for “Marketplace Minute”

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Brad Hill

When is less more? Perhaps APM’s marketplace is answering thast question with its new Marketplace Minute audio program, slated for ubiquitous radio/podcast distribution in alliance with Westwood One. The new show is a 60-second audio economic news report distributed nationally on commercial radio, across major podcast platforms and on smart speakers. It is the first time a public media entity has partnered with a commercial audio network to distribute a news product in these formats. Continue Reading →

TuneIn launches marketing campaign, emphasizing its growth in listenership

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Brad Hill

TuneIn has launched a media campaign to build awareness of its listening platform, and emphasize its ubiquity. The clever campaign tagline is “Hear, Here.” TuneIn listening has grown 27% year-over-year. Click through for a video featured in the company’s new marketing. Continue Reading →

Wondery launches dedicated app, bolsters “Plus” subscription service

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Brad Hill

Podcast creative network Wondery is launching its own listening app, a first for the company. In doing so, wondery gives extra support and a more coherent presentation of the Wondery Plus subscription service, which offers ad-free listening to Wondery shows. Continue Reading →

Apple announces updates to its Podcasts app

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Brad Hill

In its annual WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) yesterday, Apple set expectations for a new version of Apple Podcasts, by most measures the top podcast distribution platform. The app will offer podcast suggestions based on previous listening as interpreted by the app’s AI. Continue Reading →

Podcast Academy membership applications open today

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Brad Hill

Today is the day The Podcast Academy really gets rolling. After a couple of explanatory Q&A webinars last week (read our coverage HERE), and development of a governance board before that (see HERE), today podcasters and supporting professionals can apply for membership. Click through for links and requirements. Continue Reading →

Spotify continues its podcast acquisition charge with Warner Bros./DC deal

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Brad Hill

Spotify announced it is partnering with Warner Bros. and DC to create narrative scripted podcasts set in the entire DC universe. All content resulting from this partnership will live on, and be distributed by, Spotify exclusively. It has been an important 30 days for Spotify. Click through for perspective and details. Continue Reading →

Spotify signs Kim Kardashian West to produce new exclusive podcast

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Brad Hill

The Wall Street Journal scooped that Spotify has signed Kim Kardashian West to create and host a new podcast about criminal justice. No name for the show is publicly disclosed at this point, or a launch date. It will be produced by Parcast, a podcast production company previously acquired by Spotify. Continue Reading →

ART19 launches Inventory Management and Forecasting Platform, seeks to modernize podcast campaign management

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Brad Hill

Podcast technology company ART19 is announcing a new platform layer which, in Founder/CEO Sean Carr’s words, seeks to “push audio ad tech to catch up to other industries.” It is a tools which assesses available podcast advertising inventory, and accurately predicts campaign results. Continue Reading →

Podtrac’s top shows for May. “Call Her Daddy” big mover

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Brad Hill

Podtrac released its monthly Top Podcasts ranking for May. NPR appears most often, as owner of seven shows. iHeartRadio has three of the top 20. The #4 spot was claimed by Call Her Daddy, returning after a 5-week break over a controversy that was covered by The New York Times, moved up 11 spots in the ranker. Continue Reading →

LAist Studios: New podcast by Nick Quah and other announcements

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Brad Hill

LAist Studios sent us a note announcing a new slate of podcasts. One standout: Servant of Pod with Nick Quah. Quah founded, writes, and edits the well-read Hot Pod. It’s a weekly deep dive into the evolving world of podcasts, launching June 17. Continue Reading →

iHeartPodcast Network Australia’s new partnerships: Audioboom & Kast Media

Posted on June 14, 2020 by Brad Hill

iHeartPodcast Netweork’s Australian subsidiary, which is managed by media group ARN, is starting the week with an announcement of two network partnerships: Audioboom and Kast Media. ARN is also releasing listenership numbers showing May as a strong month (+6%), along with a 22% rise during the pandemic period of mid-March through june. Continue Reading →

Bill Wilson named First Vice Chair of NAB Radio Committee; Santrella continues as Chair

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Brad Hill

Townsquare Media CEO (and RAIN keynoter) Bill Wilson was named First Vice Chair of the Radio Board in the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Wilson joined Townsquare Media from AOL in 2010; he became co-CEO in 2017 and sole CEO in 2019. Continue Reading →