James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, James considers the length of news bulletins, citing examples from Radio 2 and other outlets. Upshot: Radio news has changed more than the style of news bulletins. Then — how to fund the BBC. Also, the demise of the Audio Content Fund. And more. Continue Reading
In a well publicized flare-up, Neil Young hates Joe Rogan and blames Spotify. Young delivered an ultimatum: Ditch Rogan or lose me. Young is gone. It was quick, too, with no reported diplomatic attempts. Click for the continuing narrative.
Continue Reading
Jottings of Note, smart speaker edition
— Innovating Together Again (SCA)
— Living History (Radiotopia & PRX)
— Sad Passing (Mark Lam)
Podcast.co, a UK-based hosting and production house, has expanded its work for brands, and separated the business with a distinct name and website destination: Cue. The new division specializes in interview shows, and factual narrative podcasts.
Continue Reading
RAIN News will be inaugurating the RAIN Podcast Business Lunch next Wednesday, February 2. The weekly lunchtime series of appointment viewing will be inaugurated by Tom Webster, SVP at Edison Research, and one of the world’s most honored and respected voices in podcasting and online audio. Click for details and FREE registration. Continue Reading
Acast is leaping into the podcast incubator realm with Acast Amplifier, a contest for UK would-be podcasters who haven’t yet started up. Money, free gear, creative support go to winners. An all-star panel of judges will make the decisions. Continue Reading
Jottings of Note, smart speaker edition
— Sound Future (Steve Keller)
— New Shingle (Laura Mayer)
— Nothing More Exciting (John Gibbons)
Newly released research from London-based MIDiA Research shows strong growth of global music subscribers, with services in emerging markets driving the forward motion. Overall, MIDiA figures 523.9-million subscribers to music streaming platforms around the world in Q2 2021. Spotify remains the worldwide leader with 31% share of subs, but that share is down from 33% the previous year. Click for more stats and an infographic Continue Reading
The Awards for Excellence in Audio, mostly known as The Ambies and produced as the showcase event of The Podcast Academy, is set for March 22. The ceremony will stream live on YouTube and Twitch. The co-hosts are announced, and we glance back at the inaugural ceremony in 2021. Continue Reading
Digital media and marketing trade association IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) has announced speakers and agenda for its Annual Leadership Meeting. For RAIN readers, executives from iHeartMedia, NPM, and Spotify will be of special interest Continue Reading
We wrote about Acast’s first podcast competition (Poddnästet) in September. Now the company has found a winner based on a submitted idea. Axel Hietanen Ingman will collect a quarter-million Swedish crowns (about $27,000 USD). Ingman is a 26-year-old social worker and amateur musician. Continue Reading
James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, James utters a phrase never before seen in this space: “dangerously dim-witted oxygen-thieves.” The word “stupid” appears too many times to count. It’s a bracingly frank argument on behalf of the BBC, in an argument with the UK government. Then, after a deep breath, a dozen links to interesting news items and columns. Continue Reading