Spotify is continuing its spree of podcast acquisition with the purchase of Parcast, its third buy of 2019. The deal will bring Parcast’s podcast library to Spotify, as well as its ability to attract audiences and its existing listener base. Continue Reading
We reported yesterday that the BBC blocked Google Podcasts’ access to BBC podcasts, so they cannot be represented in the Google Podcasts app. That block extends to playing BBC podcasts in Google Search results, via the native audio that Google has built there. The BBC declined to comment in response to our inquiry yesterday, but this morning an explanatory blog post appeared that lays out the BBC’s rationale. Continue Reading
Nielsen released its Q3 2018 Total Audience Report, measuring share of media and time spent with different media categories. The key takeaway is that total media in Q3 was exactly the same (on average) as the previous year’s Q3. Within that stasis, a few shifts are apparent. Continue Reading
Voxnest’s Spreaker platform is partnering with language-learning platform Babbel for its first foray into podcasting in the U.S. Multilinguish will explore how language connects people, with a different theme for each episode. New episodes will be published on Tuesdays. Continue Reading
A new forecast by eMarketer is casting Spotify’s future in an even more favorable light. The company had previously predicted that Spotify would have more users in the U.S. than Pandora by 2022. Now it’s predicting the swap to happen in 2021. Continue Reading
Internal turnover continues at B2B music provider 7digital with the departure of Director and CEO Simon Cole. He will exit the company in April and the top executive role will be filled by John Aalbers. Continue Reading
Gimlet Media’s production staff announced plans to unionize with the Writers Guild of America, East two weeks ago. However, the team’s efforts may not have an easy or straightforward path to success. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: BBC is blocking its podcasts on Google platforms. Much audio news ahead of Radiodays Europe. Continue Reading
The BBC has blocked its podcasts on platforms operated by Google. The block stretches to prevent access to BBC shows through the new Google Podcasts app, via Google Assistant, and from Google search. The move to restrict access began last week, according to Podnews. Continue Reading
Wheeler Morris was named Manager of Corporate Podcasting Strategy at Hubbard Radio, which notes that Hubbard produces over 150 podcasts with a reach of 500,000 listeners per month. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Interviews with JP Evangelista of Vevo and Zane Lowe of Apple Music. Also three different recaps of the RAIN Podcast Business Summit. Continue Reading
Endel is an artificial intelligence platform that creates custom compositions for reducing stress, encouraging sleep, or other mood improvements. The app has been signed to Warner Music Group. Continue Reading