RAIN News

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

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Brad Hill

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 →

Twitter reactions to Spotify’s AI DJ: Skepticism and “Where is it?”

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Brad Hill

When Mixcloud founder and CEO Nico Perez asked Twitter for reactions to Spotify’s new AI DJ feature he received a short thread of contrasting replies. A well known tech pub calls it “deeply unnecessary.” Meanwhile, Spotify is occupied explaining why nobody can find it. With all this, we are looking forward to it. Continue Reading →

Black podcast listeners: Key findings from Edison Research

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Brad Hill

Edison Research has released the 2022 version of its Black Podcast Listener Report. Edison’s partners in this deep dive are SXM Media and Mindshare. The survey queried 2,500 American adults 18 years and older, and the deeply detailed report is 59 pages of results and charts. Clik through for key points and download link. Continue Reading →

Layoffs underway at Rogers-owned Pacific Content

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Brad Hill

Details are scant, but it is confirmed that Pacific Content — a leading producer of branded podcasts — is undergoing a layoff sweep, as reported in Broadcast Dialogue. The extent of the cuts is not publicly known, but reporting indicates that parent company Rogers Sports and Media has confirmed the action. Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: Steve Pratt thinks most podcast marketing is wrong

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Steve Goldstein

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 →

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, February 22

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Brad Hill

Jottings of Note

— Sonic Adventuring (Studio Resonate)

— New Native (True Native Media)

— Automated Efficiency (Frequency / Sounds Profitable)

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Spotify adds AI-powered DJ to music listening

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Brad Hill

If broadcast radio felt disgruntled by on-demand listening apps before, now there is a new offense: Spotify has introduced a DJ feature which uses a synthetic voice to create a radio-like presentation of the user’s saved music. It is called AI DJ, and the tool uses generative artificial intelligence to intro and extro a mix of tracks from the user’s library. Click for a launch video. Continue Reading →

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“This will be a major loss” — NPR plans 10% workforce reduction in erosion of ad dollars

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Brad Hill

National Public radio will lay off at least 100 people, about 10% of its workforce. The exact positions and layoff count will be determined by March 20. “We’re not seeing signs of a recovery in the advertising market,” CEO John Lansing said. Click for more. Continue Reading →

Actionable audio ads, Zellennials, and the power of testing: More from Veritonic’s Audio Intelligence Summit

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Brad Hill

More notes from AIS2023, Veritonic’s Audio Intelligence Summit in New York, featuring Charles Cadbury, Scott Marino, Samantha Sweig, James Clarke, Thad Smith, and Danielle Linden. Continue Reading →

Parcast founder and Spotify exec Max Cutler stepping down

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Brad Hill

Max Cutler, founder of the Parcast production and podcast content group, and Spotify VP, is leaving Spotify. Cutler was an influential force in Spotify’s podcast adventures, and this high-profile exit comes a month after Dawn Ostroff exited the company in a sweeping workforce reduction. It appears to be part of what CEO Daniel Ek promised in a recent Q4 earnings call. Continue Reading →

RAIN Notes: Tuesday, February 21

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Brad Hill

Jottings of Note

— Podcast Programmatic Pickup (The Sonic Truth)

— Bubble Or Blip? (Bubble Trouble)

— From Bitter To Sweet (Sonic Seasoning)

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: CBC to turn off transmitters (but not yet)

Posted on February 21, 2023 by James Cridland

by James Cridland

A packed column this week from James. The CBC will stop broadcasting, in a projected move to all-digital. But the move doesn’t appear to be imminent, and James notes that in Britain the BBC laid out the same intent — they are planting flags in the future. Beyond that coverage, James gives us notes about Australia’s ABC network falling off the internet, interesting facts about the U.S. radio industry, and links to his personal blog.
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