Balancing tech and authenticity: Adopter Media limits AI in host-read ads

In an effort to maintain authenticity and leverage the convenience and accuracy of AI, podcast ad agency Adopter Media has placed limitations on AI voicings of host-read ads. Specifically, insertion orders will now define limits on the use of AI voicing of ad copy. More than just an in-house decision, the company calls for creators, networks, advertisers, and agencies to uphold similar standards. Details inside. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Why Subscriptions Are Not The Solution For Most Podcasters

The New York Times is putting a lot of its podcast content behind paywalls, as it has done with cooking, games, and other categories. Should podcasters emulate? In this week’s guest column, Steve Goldstein observes: There is a lot of churn in subscription land. And the audio landscape is saturated with free content, much of it excellent. so it’s a mixed bag: “Good news: Some people are willing to pay.  Bad news: not a lot of people.” But there are exceptions, and industry opinions, and no definitive answer for all shows. Click for a key review of strategic thinking. Continue Reading

Local ad buyers value referrals above all types of advertising

In the current Chart of the Week from Borrell Associates, we see local ad buyers’ best sources for new customers. And we learn that referrals from customers, as a source type, is favored over 12 channels of advertising. Those ad types represent a wide spectrum of marketing, from Facebook to billboards, TV to direct mail. Borrell emphasizes one specific comparison. Click for info and a big graph. Continue Reading