Jottings of note:
Saddening
Broccoli Productions, the UK-based podcast group, is closing its shop at the end of January. The official announcement cites the reason: “We’re saddened to announce that Broccoli Productions will be closing at the end of this month, due to our partnership with Sony Music Entertainment ending early.” Broccoli was founded by Sony Music Entertainment in October, 2019. (RAIN coverage HERE.) Renay Richardson, founding partner in the relationship and RAIN Summit speaker, said: “Broccoli was a huge part of my life and we did so many amazing things and collaborated with wonderful talent. […] Thank you to everyone who worked with us, listened to our shows and supported our work.” READ
TranslAItions
Digiday posts an article by Sara Guaglione itemizing three major use cases for AI in podcasting. The piece emphasizes that AI hosting is not (yet?) in the cards. But translation is a big one. iHeartMeda plans to launch up to 10 shows this quarter in Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Spotify has piloted an AI tool for voice translations (RAIN coverage HERE.) And Acast is leveraging AI in its ad sales business, gaining more scale for its clients without reducing sharp targeting. The article further describes how useful AI can be in the technical production of audio. READ
Stepping Up
Podcast network The Podglomerate has promoted Morgan Swift to Senior Manager of Marketing and Audience Development. It’s a new role in the company, created to met “growing marketing demand.” Swift previously held the title of Marketing Manager. In the new role she will report to Vice President of Marketing and Audience Development Joni Deutsch. “Morgan has been a steadfast member of our team, and we are so pleased to support her growth with this promotion,” Deutsch said. CEO Jeff Umbro noted: “Her growth in this role has been really exciting to watch, and she’ll be a key player on the team as we begin to expand our podcast growth offerings.”
January 29, 2024
