Jottings of note:
The EnduringTop 3
Edison Research released its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S., for Q4 2024. The list is HERE. Nobody who follows these rankers will be surprised by the top three podcasts: 1) The Joe Rogan Experience 2) Crime Junkie 3) The Daily. Balancing that sameness, there are newcomers: Shawn Ryan Show (#37), Candace (#45), and The Charlie Kirk Show (#49). Edison noes a rise of conservative talk podcasts, with a mix of newcomers and established shows moving higher in the list. All this results from Edison-conducted interviews during Q4, reaching over 5,000 participants (13+). A prime value of Edison’s survey method, compared to mechanical download counts by companies which host podcasts, is that any show in the podcast universe might appear in Edison’s scheme.
Continuing Self-Reinvention
Universal Music Group (UMG) President/CEO Lucian Grainge penned a 3113-word new-year address to the staff of the world’s largest music label, in which he reels off the year’s accomplishments, and attributes the company achievements to “our continuing self-reinvention.” Some of that restructuring included staff layoffs. (RAIN coverage HERE.) The outcome, as stated in the new-year note: “Within months we were operating with greater agility and efficiency. We then saw something exceptional take place.” He observes that UMG artists and creators took more awards in the recent Grammy celebration than ever before. Artist development, he says, is the company’s “fundamental building block.” He also refers to “responsible AI.” His proudest2024 announcement? Creating the Global Impact Team, whose mission is to “enact positive change in our industry and in the communities in which we serve.” There’s much more, including a look ahead to 2025. Read it HERE
Head First
Dane Cardiel, VP Creator Partnerships at podcast marketplace Gumball, is leaving that project, as he announced HERE. He was with Gumball for nearly four years. Cardiel’s main focus now turns to Good Tape, the creative studio and magazine based in L.A. “Looking ahead, my focus remains on this beloved industry, its makers, and the impact our work has on entertainment and culture. I’ll be jumping head-first into building what I know Good Tape can become for podcasting.” He invites reach-outs.
February 6, 2025
