Opinion & Features

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Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

In this latest guest column from podcast consultant and public speaker Steve Goldstein, Steve offers assessments of AI’s role in podcast production — including the host chair. The bottom line is to use AI cautiously, and Steve provides general guidelines. “As cliché as it might sound, don’t lose sight of what makes podcasts truly resonant and meaningful: their authenticity.” This is an important read. Continue Reading →

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Networking but sounding local; and could the BBC go commercial?

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest guest column: Bauer’s brand bundling. Then there is this piece of wistful idealism: “As the BBC gets ready to put advertising in its podcasts (on third parties) in the UK, you might think that if only BBC Radio took commercials, we’d not have to bother with the TV licence fee and everything would be good.” And than a deeper dive into that concept. A great, informative read. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Closures and bereavements

Posted on by Brad Hill

by James Cridland

In his latest guest column, James Cridland grieves the death of Paul Chantler and offers reminiscences. Then, how Bauer Media is closing radio stations, buildings, and transmission platforms. Then, a peek at one of Bauer’s studio renovations. James also continues his public commentary on the BBC decision to carry ads. And much more in a packed newsletter. Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: Insights From Leaders At The Top

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

In this latest guest column from podcast consultant and public speaker Steve Goldstein, Steve transcribed his “View From The Top” panel at the recently concluded Podcast Movement conference. It is a wide ranging and deeply informative discussion, filled with executive wisdom now available to everyone who might have missed the session. Continue Reading →

Mark Mulligan: Global recorded music revenues grew by 9.8% in 2023

Posted on by Brad Hill

by Mark Mulligan

The picture of music revenue is changing, with emerging revenue categories taking spotlight from older-school key metrics. This important guest column by MIDiA Research Managing Director Mark Mulligan includes a very informative infographic. Mark discusses a strategic shift in the industry. “Anticipating the streaming slowdown, labels and artists alike have been looking for diversification and new growth drivers, with superfans emerging as the central target.” Growth of physical revenues and “other”-category earnings are evidence of “superfan focus.” An essential read to understand how major labels view consumer preferences which shape major-label businesses. (And the infographic is must-see.) Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: What People Are Doing When They Aren’t Listening To Your Podcast

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

“The heat of the moment, can be the difference between a podcast listen and a show stuck in the purgatory of the podcast queue.” In his latest guest column, Steve Goldstein talks about the importance of podcast drop timing. Case study: HBO chose to delay dropping John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight from Mondays to Thursdays. Will audiences “wait and see”? Pay to see? Or maybe neither. John Oliver wasn’t happy about it. Steve connects this to podcasting, and evokes “the purgatory of the podcast queue.” Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: What People Are Doing When They Aren’t Listening To Your Podcast

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

“In my days as an executive in the radio business, our competitive focus was always on other radio stations and grabbing audience from them with researched music, smarter commercial placement, stronger talent, and visible marketing.” That’s how Steve leads us into this overview of the many media attractions which are taking audience and time-spent from podcasting. Choice abounds, and in the search for greater audience the advice here is to think broadly about where that time will come from. “The competition isn’t just another podcast; it is everything.” Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Spinoff stations grow overall reach

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest guest column, James Cridland starts by looking at recent RAJAR statistics measuring UK radio listening. Interesting, he observes, that spinoff stations do not detract listening from their parent stations. Then he compares NPR’s Morning Edition U.S. radio program with the breakfast shows produced by BBC and Australia’s ABC. He is left “a bit cold.” Then he tried wake-up programming at LBC (a UK network) and RTE’s Radio Ireland. And much more. Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: The Truth About Podcasting’s Measurement Makeover

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

Apple changed podcast measurement when it changed how downloads are counted. Numbers dropped, but integrity rose. “The podcast industry supported the move to uphold the integrity of the metrics advertisers see {…} cognizant that downloads would take a hit but chose long-term credibility over the vanity.” In his latest guest column, Steve Goldstein tours through media categories including radio, digital advertising, email marketing, television, and print media. In all cases, measurement is a challenge. This is an illuminating read. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Analysing morning news shows

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest guest column, James Cridland reviews and analyzes the Today program at BBC Radio 4. The exercise was enjoyable enough to motivate him to do the same for Australia’s ABC morning show. Also, how to effectively promote radio listening on the air. Continue Reading →

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: How successful have HD Radio’s additional channels been?

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest guest column, James Cridland reviews and analyzes HD Radio, comparing it to the UK’s DAB digital radio solution. HD Radio does not fare well in the comparison, for reasons ranging from low usage to poor user experience. “Now that HD Radio is more than 21 years old, it might be interesting to know how much listening there is to these HD2/HD3 stations. And it turns out… not much.” And James analyzes why that is. A must read for anyone interested in what went wrong with HD Radio adoption in the U.S., and a cross-continental comparison. Continue Reading →