Triton Digital has released a new generation of its venerable U.S. Podcast Ranker. It’s a breakthrough edition of this monthly data stalwart, introducing a new data source called Demos+, a feature created in collaboration with Signal Hill Insights. Demos+ brings a survey element into the Ranker, which traditionally has been a pure data report. Continue Reading
Two days ago we posted news of a settlement between performance rights organization (PRO) BMI and the Radio Music Licensing Committee. That hard-won agreement resulted in a rate increase for BMI. Today, ASCAP puts out news of a similar agreement, following a similar lawsuit. Continue Reading
Edison Research recently released its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S for Q2. Also recently unveiled is Edison’s Top 25 Podcasts in the UK for Q2. This gives us an interesting opportunity to do a cross-Atlantic comparison. Continue Reading
The day after Sounds Profitable announced its merger with Podcast Movement, founder Bryan Barletta has composed a lengthy, informative, future-focused mission statement. Titled What’s Next for Sounds Profitable, it is agreeably subtitled: “Sounds Profitable and Podcast Movement have merged, let’s talk about that.” Click for overview and link.
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Triton Digital released a dramatically upgraded and enhanced edition of its US Podcast Ranker. In this ranker, and presumably future ones, Triton lists three new audience intelligence features — it’s the first edition of an enhanced ranker. Click for details and linkage. Continue Reading
Eminent podcast platform Libsyn is leveraging this week’s Podcast Movement event to introduce a new discovery and monetization tool called PodRoll with Libsyn. The tool creates “You Might Also Like…” promotions within podcast feeds, showcasing episodes from similar shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Click for details and link to illustrations. Continue Reading
In his latest column, Steve frankly addresses broadcasters: “The reality is that radio is still largely behind in the shift from linear to on-demand.” Citing cumes in major markets, the conclusion is that the average listener never hears most of radio’s best moments. Podcasting can rescue that loss. Podcasting isn’t just nice to have, Steve asserts, “It’s the most effective way to recapture the listening you’re already losing and to keep your audience engaged when they’re not in the car or near a radio.” It’s all about retention. A must-read column — rigorous, bracing, and motivating. Continue Reading
BMI and the Radio Music License Committee announced a settlement of their rate court proceeding. The new agreement, which is retroactive to January 1, 2022, represents a historic rate increase for BMI. Continue Reading
Trade association Sounds Profitable, and conference brand Podcast Movement, have merged in a seven-figure deal. The new entity is described as “a central force in podcasting’s ongoing growth,” and promises to deepen its involvement in industry events around the world. Click for details. Continue Reading
Measurement company Podtrac has released Top Podcasts By Country, which lists the single #1 podcast in each of 48 countries. Click for details and linkage. Continue Reading
In his latest column, Steve uses a Q&A format to assess industry shock of Wondery folding into Amazon-owned Audible. “This move appears to be more than a corporate reshuffle,” Steve asserts, “It signals a broader strategic shift.” Good or bad for podcasting? Has Amazon lost interest? How does the future look? Do small and niche shows get left behind? One thing for sure: Podcasting is now unmistakenly a mainstream business, where strategy, structure, and ROI take the lead. A must read. Continue Reading
Comprehensive podcast creator/advertiser platform Libsyn announces a substantial rise in creator earnings, while expanding its Automatic Podcast Ads program across its whole platform. In good news for smaller shows on Libsyn’s platform, the company has discarded the previous 2,000-download minimum to be included in the Automatic Podcast Ads program. Also — a handful of new podcasts have joined the platform. Continue Reading