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
Spotify has a new perk for its family subscribers thanks to a deal with Google. Customers signing up for the family plans in the UK and France will receive a Google Home Mini smart speaker for free. Continue Reading
Anchor is continuing to launch new features following its acquisition by Spotify. Last week, the do-it-yourself podcasting platform announced a new analytics suite. Today, the features are being added to Anchor’s mobile apps. Continue Reading
Podcast company Acast is rolled out in France. Yann Thébault, a former Spotify director, has joined Acast to lead the French operations. Acast France will focus on support for independent podcasters and publishers, work with media groups and brands, and further development of the domestic podcast market. Continue Reading