Results of the Podnews Report Card survey have been released, following a first view at Podcast Movement Evolutions. In that entertaining keynote session performed by Podnews editor James Cridland (amusingly interrupted by a faux DAI-inserted commercial), we learned how Podnews-reading podcasters rate distribution apps, directories, and monetization platforms. Click through for results. Continue Reading
In an announcement timed to coincide with last week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions conference, NPR has joined the Spotify Audience Network (SPAN), adding one of the world’s most listened-to catalogs to the streaming giant’s podcast monetization platform. It is the first time NPR has gone beyond its direct-sold advertising to work with a partner. Spotify will monetize unsold inventory, NPR told RAIN, and retain NPR’s trademark sponsorship sound. Click for more detail. Continue Reading
Podcast Movement Evolutions, the business-oriented variation of the creator-focused Podcast Movement conferences, was held at the Westgate Conference Center in Las Vegas this week. A somewhat more intimate experience than Podcast Movement, Evolutions offered several knowledge tracks featuring keynotes, interviews, and panel discussions along with numerous networking opportunities during three and a half days. There were announcements, too. Continue Reading
SoundStack, the multi-faceted audio platform which fashions itself as audio-as-a-service (Aaas), has landed major indie podcast network Kast Media as a new client. SoundStack will handle hosting Kast podcasts, content management, and programmatic advertising. SoundStack is also promoting “enhanced workflow with direct access to SoundStack’s product team.” Continue Reading
Jottings of Note
— First Things First (Insider Intelligence)
— Bottom Lines (BBC)
— Caffeine Now (Say It Now)
In yesterday’s Infinite Dial 2023 report conducted by Edison Research (RAIN coverage HERE) we saw growth stories for online audio generally, and podcasting in particular. Listening to podcasts (and online audio generally) trended upward. At the same time, the monthly CPM ad-cost tracker from AdvertiseCast shows ad rates dropping. Those two trends are not necessarily contradictory. Continue Reading
Welcome to RAIN News industry-leading coverage of The Infinite Dial 2023, the celebratory 25th anniversary of the longest-running and most authoritative survey of digital media consumer behavior in America. Since 1998, this survey of American listening, device usage, and social… Continue Reading
One striking aspect of iHeartMedia’s revenue reporting for Q4 and full-year 2022: Digital revenue leads revenue growth, and podcasting leads even more. The trend is true for Q4 and full-year 2022. Click for details. Continue Reading
“Live, local, and powered by AI.” Here, guest columnist James Cridland broaches the tricky subject of artificial intelligence applied to radio — RadioGPT from Futuri Media. James expected to hate it, and surprisingly liked it. There are caveats, though; “smoke and mirrors.” Click through to read. Continue Reading
Jottings of Note
— Your Thoughts (Podnews)
— Streaming Forecast (TuneIn)
— Colonization Fear (Techdirt)
Today sees the launch of a new FOX News audio show for smart speakers: The True Crime Minute, which will be refreshed three times a week. A new longer-form True Crime title has been added to FOX’s True Crime catalog, which now contains nine shows. Continue Reading