James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The end of open, as audio goes exclusive

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, James laments two business moves that restrict access to audio. The BBC will “window” some of its podcasts into the BBC Sounds app — a maneuver which James calls “another disappointing move from a broadcaster that should be widening its potential audience, not limiting it.” Also, Bauer Media plans to remove its radio stations from TuneIn. Other media groups in Europe don’t escape James’s withering gaze. But later, the BBC is redeemed with an audio piece which is “sublimely excellent.” And much more in this generous column.
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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Is no news good news? And: funding the BBC

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, James considers the length of news bulletins, citing examples from Radio 2 and other outlets. Upshot: Radio news has changed more than the style of news bulletins. Then — how to fund the BBC. Also, the demise of the Audio Content Fund. And more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The BBC’s fight against stupid

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, James utters a phrase never before seen in this space: “dangerously dim-witted oxygen-thieves.” The word “stupid” appears too many times to count. It’s a bracingly frank argument on behalf of the BBC, in an argument with the UK government. Then, after a deep breath, a dozen links to interesting news items and columns. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Ask These 9 Questions to Determine Whether Your Business Should Have a Branded Podcast

by Steve Goldstein

Guest columnist Steve Goldstein follows up yesterday’s exploration of why so many branded podcasts fail. Today, a checklist to determine whether your company, or any company, should have a branded podcast. One of them: “Can you think of 10 episode topics?” Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Radio vs Spotify — some data

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with the latest installment of his weekly column. In this edition, how Spotify is eating into AM/FM listening — data is from Morgan Stanley. Also: The BBC in the pandemic. AM radio declining in Europe. Collectors of radio station beers. And much more. Continue Reading

Canadian digital audio listening surpasses radio for first time; divergence will increase (eMarketer)

Canadian listeners chose digital audio sources slightly more than radio in 2021, for the first time. This according to eMarketer. “The switch is related to a reduction in commuting,” the company notes, “which has had a direct impact on terrestrial radio consumption.” eMarketer is predicting a widening of the gap in 2022. Continue Reading

Surge in Latino podcast listening the #1 “Top Finding” in 2021 from Edison Research

In an online presentation today, Edison Research released its Top Ten Findings of 2021, an interesting selection of key metrics from the company’s many consumer survey studies such as The Infinite Dial, Share of Ear, Podcast Consumer Tracker, and The Black Podcast Listener Report. Click through for details and infographics. Continue Reading

Global acquires Captivate for heightened podcast exposure and monetization

UK-based radio group and worldwide media company Global has acquired podcast hosting/tech outfit Captivate. Global is the developer and holding company of DAX, the company’s international digital audio advertising exchange. Captivate will become part of Global Player, and will take advantage of DAX’s immense reach for monetization opportunities. Continue Reading