Google Assistant has been updated with several quality of life improvements. In addition to new voice commands for retrieving and sharing photos, and for updating notes and lists, the platform now offers topical search for podcasts. We tested it. Continue Reading
As podcasts secure bigger and more influential fan bases, shows and their creators have been able to land even more impressive deals. The latest is for Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the brains behind My Favorite Murder. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Articles about customer service from stations, a competition from Ghana, and an election blind date. Continue Reading
Merlin, the independent label organization, is relocating its headquarters. The group, which has been centered in Amsterdam, is moving to Dublin in a corporate restructuring. Continue Reading
Amazon Alexa is hosting a new interactive media story experience, marking another step forward in how voice platforms and smart speakers can find a niche in entertainment. The project is a serialized young adult adventure titled Tala’s World. We test it, jump through hoops, and enjoy it. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a deal with a telecom in the Middle East. The streaming service is offering a free bundle to customers of the Saudi Telecom Company. Continue Reading
Triton Digital announced that it has integrated a new tool into its Audio Ad Server for the audio and podcast industry. The company entered a partnership to use the MediaSales Traffic platform from Wedel Software, an international provider of broadcast software solutions. Continue Reading
Classical music specialist Primephonic shared a study into satisfaction with streaming services in the U.S. According to their results, 52% of Americans do not use streaming platforms yet, and only 21% of Americans have paid subscriptions for streaming. The company opined that with most platforms focusing on young listeners and popular genres, growth in the streaming audience will come from older listeners seeking other genres. Continue Reading
Ole Obermann has been hired by mobile short-form video app TikTok as its vice president and global head of music. The former Warner Music Group digital exec joined the company in October. Continue Reading
The Pulitzer board announced that next year, it will offer a new prize were podcasts will be eligible. The Pulitzer Prize for Audio Reporting will be awarded in 2020 “for a distinguished example of audio journalism that serves the public interest, characterized by revelatory reporting and illuminating storytelling.” Continue Reading
by Dan Misener
Pacific Content’s head of audience development tracks the year’s trends in podcast episode length. He observes some overall trends as well as break-downs by category. Continue Reading
Spotify’s “2019 Wrapped” website production for Premium subscribers is as fun and informative as ever, even more expansive because it wraps not only 2019 but the “teens” decade of 2013-2019, with a beautifully fluid user experience. We test, analyze, and enjoy it. Continue Reading