We got a note from Pocket Casts that two in-app discovery features we’ve been waiting for became active today. They are Guest List (favorite podcasts of a guest curator) and Network Highlight (a selection of one network’s catalog). We checked them out. Continue Reading
Trader Joe’s launched a high-profile podcast about itself in 2018. It just launched its third season, calibrated to the calendar year. Now, the grocery store podcast category has doubled in size (as far as we know), with the launch of Noshtalgia, a feel-good mix of family storytelling, recipes, and the values of grocery chain Kroger. Continue Reading
The BBC has shared a few statistics about its BBC Sounds, one of very few peeks behind the scenes with its app effort. During the last quarter of 2019, the app attracted a peak weekly audience of 2.9 million, besting the record of 2.5 million in the third quarter. Continue Reading
Paradiso, a French podcast studio, is making the leap to the U.S. The company is planning to launch a slate of original podcasts and to adapt its existing formats for U.S. audiences and other English speakers. The company hired Emi Norris to head up its local efforts. Continue Reading
Acast announced a new addition to its leadership team. Brian Danzis is joining the podcast company as its managing director for the Americas. He will head up Acast’s expansion across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Continue Reading
Europe’s move to adopt new copyright laws was a top story in tech headlines last year. While music organizations all around the EU were part of the push for adoption, the UK was a notable presence in the lobbying effort. Now, the UK may not see the results of their efforts. Continue Reading
In the startup world, a unicorn is a singular company that reaches a billion-dollar capitalization. More informally, a unicorn denotes a company that is unequaled in marketplace reach and influence. Is there a podcast unicorn? One research group thinks so. Continue Reading
Research from DMA investigated recent audio trends in the UK. The survey found that 37% of Britons listen to podcasts every month. The 16-34 age bracket was the most involved with podcasts. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia announced a podcast production deal with OZY Media. Under their multi-year agreement, the companies will co-produce and promote a slate of shows for the iHeartRadio Original Podcasts network. Continue Reading
Beasley Media Group has promoted within the family for its latest digital role. Erika Beasley has been appointed vice president of digital content for the company. She joined Beasley in 2004 as a traffic manager. Continue Reading
We last heard about AudioGO, a self-serve digital audio ad-buying platform for small businesses, last May when the company offered an update of its $250-minimum ad buying operation. Today, AdsWizz is announcing two agreements — with Entravision and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices — that bolster the platforms’ recognition and effectiveness. Continue Reading
One of the more recent streaming service lawsuits is expanding its reach. In November, Sosa Entertainment and Pro Music Rights filed a suit against Spotify. Pro Music Rights has filed additional lawsuits against ten more streaming services. Continue Reading