Comprehensive coverage of the podcasting industry and its business ecosystem.
Eminent podcast platform Libsyn is leveraging this week’s Podcast Movement event to introduce a new discovery and monetization tool called PodRoll with Libsyn. The tool creates “You Might Also Like…” promotions within podcast feeds, showcasing episodes from similar shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Click for details and link to illustrations. Continue Reading
In his latest column, Steve frankly addresses broadcasters: “The reality is that radio is still largely behind in the shift from linear to on-demand.” Citing cumes in major markets, the conclusion is that the average listener never hears most of radio’s best moments. Podcasting can rescue that loss. Podcasting isn’t just nice to have, Steve asserts, “It’s the most effective way to recapture the listening you’re already losing and to keep your audience engaged when they’re not in the car or near a radio.” It’s all about retention. A must-read column — rigorous, bracing, and motivating. Continue Reading
Trade association Sounds Profitable, and conference brand Podcast Movement, have merged in a seven-figure deal. The new entity is described as “a central force in podcasting’s ongoing growth,” and promises to deepen its involvement in industry events around the world. Click for details. Continue Reading
Audio advertising workflow and management company Frequency announces a branding change and product launch of the Frequency Premium Publisher Network. Click for details and quotes. Continue Reading
In his latest column, Steve uses a Q&A format to assess industry shock of Wondery folding into Amazon-owned Audible. “This move appears to be more than a corporate reshuffle,” Steve asserts, “It signals a broader strategic shift.” Good or bad for podcasting? Has Amazon lost interest? How does the future look? Do small and niche shows get left behind? One thing for sure: Podcasting is now unmistakenly a mainstream business, where strategy, structure, and ROI take the lead. A must read. Continue Reading
Comprehensive podcast creator/advertiser platform Libsyn announces a substantial rise in creator earnings, while expanding its Automatic Podcast Ads program across its whole platform. In good news for smaller shows on Libsyn’s platform, the company has discarded the previous 2,000-download minimum to be included in the Automatic Podcast Ads program. Also — a handful of new podcasts have joined the platform. Continue Reading
Magellan has released its Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report for Q2 2025. We share key findings, top spenders and industries, and more … plus how to download the original. Continue Reading
In what seems like an exhaustive exercise in debunking commonly held presumptions, a study released by the Audio Active Group (fronted by Westwood One and Cumulus Media), we see an argument that podcast advertisers overestimate the business-building power of audience targeting. At the same time, they underestimate the power of creative — how the advertisement is conceived, written, recorded, and produced. Click for very interesting metrics produced by Podscribe research. Continue Reading
In the biggest news item of the day, a unanimity of reporting asserts that podcast studio Wondery will be closed by parent company Amazon. CEO Jen Sargent reportedly will depart. Departmental reorganization is predicted. Podcast production will continue to some extent, and some will be positioned differently within the Amazon distribution empire. Continue Reading
In the just released Edison Research Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. for Q2, we see long-familiar titles leading this elite pack. Continue Reading
In Steve’s latest column, a detailed and interesting analysis of an historical moment. “Stephen Colbert’s exit from The Late Show is more than a changing of the guard. It’s a flashing red signal that the entire late-night ecosystem is being upended. The space late-night TV once owned has changed rapidly, with podcasts playing a central role in that transformation.” “Podcasts aren’t just taking the mic. They’re taking the moment.” Continue Reading
Podcast representation company True Native Media has introduced an entry-level service called PodRamp. It is tailored to help small shows enter the market and accelerate their growth. The goal, for both podcast and platform, is to grow the shows’ audience to qualify for PodPremium, True Native’s existing and cornerstone program. Continue Reading