NPR podcasts are now part of Spotify’s SPAN marketplace, keeping the distinctive NPR promo sound

In an announcement timed  to coincide with last week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions conference, NPR has joined the Spotify Audience Network (SPAN), adding one of the world’s most listened-to catalogs to the streaming giant’s podcast monetization platform. It is the first time NPR has gone beyond its direct-sold advertising to work with a partner. Spotify will monetize unsold inventory, NPR told RAIN, and retain NPR’s trademark sponsorship sound. Click for more detail. Continue Reading

As pod listening raises annually, ad rates drop monthly

In yesterday’s Infinite Dial 2023 report conducted by Edison Research (RAIN coverage HERE) we saw growth stories for online audio generally, and podcasting in particular. Listening to podcasts (and online audio generally) trended upward. At the same time, the monthly CPM ad-cost tracker from AdvertiseCast shows ad rates dropping. Those two trends are not necessarily contradictory. Continue Reading

iHeartMedia and NBA release a portfolio of 11 new podcasts; create iHeart/NBA Podcast Network

iHeart Media and the National Basketball Association have revealed a slate of team-specific shows released to what is being called the iHeart/NBA Podcast Network. The lineup includes original podcasts from six NBA teams – the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs. Click through for show details and listen links. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Steve Pratt thinks most podcast marketing is wrong

by Steve Goldstein

In this latest installment of the Amplifi Media blog, Steve Goldstein interviews Steve Pratt, the founder and ex-CEO of Pacific Content. The conversation vectors into branded podcasts, naturally, as both Steves have a long history producing that format. Click through to read the whole thing, including the marshmallow test and a legenday John Houseman ad. Continue Reading

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“Stuff You Should Know” milestone – 3B downloads. That’s billion.

iHeartPodcasts announced today that its acquired show, Stuff You Should Know, hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, has been downloaded three billion times. “Chuck and I started this series with a passion for curiosity and had no expectation of ever being a leading podcast,” said Josh Clark. That’s the kind of rags-to-riches business story that launches thousands of newer shows. Continue Reading

Podcast downloads show gains (Podtrac) and RAIN Remix of January Top Publishers ranker

Podtrac’s Top Podcast Publishers monthly ranker for January tells a growth story. We learn that the U.S. monthly audience increased for 15 of the top 20 publishers. Also, average monthly audience was up month-over-month and 16% over January 2022.  Click through for the results and the RAIN remix, which re-sorts the top publishers by average listeners and downloads per show. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Podcasting is doing fine; thank you

by Steve Goldstein

In the latest guest column from Steve Goldstein, he observes the more things change, the more they remain the same. Contrary to shaded scenarios currently in vogue, podcasting is “a healthy, but maturing and evolving business,” according to Steve. Less spaghetti thrown against the wall, please, and more rigor. It’s a good read. Continue Reading

Steve Pratt — Awesome Over Time: Would Your Content Strategy Pass the Marshmallow Test?

In this guest column, Steve Pratt of The Creativity Business discusses the power of patience. “If your goal is to earn attention, build trust, and develop relationships, the strategy is obvious. You must pass the Content Marshmallow Test and delay gratification.” Click for this illustrated column. Continue Reading