James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Important tech questions about HTTPS websites. Following the iHeartMedia bankruptcy saga. Much more from the audio industry worldwide. Continue Reading
Spotify Wrapped has been released; a kind of holiday data gift to subscribers. It has also become a social touchpoint and enormous sharing topic. Wrapped is an annual feature in the Spotify mobile app; it is not presented in the… Continue Reading
In this monthly feature, we look back one decade to December 2015, and revisit selected headlines. Click any item to visit the article. Happy decade surfing. Continue Reading
In this week’s column, James assesses innovation in radio. American: no innovation for 19 years. Other part of the world get kinder marks, and this iece focuses on WSQK, a globally produced station owned by, um, British network Global. Thing is, WSQK is a pop-up station that fits into the Stranger Things franchise — “a full, 24/7, six-week long radio station deep into the Stranger Things universe,” as James explains. “And everything is perfect”. James invokes real stations to listen — the writing and production are superb — and take notes. Continue Reading
Setting the agenda – Podfest
Positioning for glory – Sounds Profitable / The Podglomerate Continue Reading
Podcast production house Audiochuck, which was founded by Ashley Flowers, is being sued by the Anatomy of Murder podcast, in a case of a client bringing a lawsuit against its service provider. At the center of the argument is a disagreement about “fair share.” Continue Reading
Giving thanks – Dave Van Dyke, Bridge Ratings Media Research
The podcast low point for women – USC Anenberg Continue Reading
“Good news… – Rob Greenlee, New Media Show
Behind the podscenes – Hollywood Reporter
AI, audio, and more – IAB Leadership Meeting
Measuring Infinity – Edison Research Continue Reading
London based research consultancy MIDiA Research has released a brief, densely packed infographic titled The Future of Labels. It is both a diagnosis and prescription. Five key tenets are offered. Continue Reading
Rippling – – Pacific Standard Time
Gratis – RSS.com
Apple announced its calculation of the most popular podcasts in 2025. The report offers several views of the information: Top Shows, Top New Shows, Most Followed Shows. Most Shared Shows, and Top Channels. We shuffled the information to reveal how the top shows are distributed among the different types — e.g. new shows, series, shows shared the most, followed the most, and subscription podcasts. Click for a unique graphic. Continue Reading
Here’s the pitch: “Spotlighting the people, connections, and stories behind your music.” Spotify is enhancing one of its artist features, and introducing a new one. Continue Reading