Steve Goldstein: Should Podcasters Worry About Google’s AI NotebookLM?

In his latest guest column, Amplifi Media chief Steve Goldstein tries out Google’s new NotebookLM AI tool, and shares the AI-generated audio. He calls it impressive, jaw-dropping, exciting, weird, and unsettling. We agree. Steve also pulls back from the amazement of it, reassuringly to human podcasters. In the past, we have called out some of Steve’s columns as “must read.” This one is on a higher level of must read … and listen. Continue Reading

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Steve Goldstein: The Ups And Downs Of Audio In 2023

by Steve Goldstein

In this epic review of podcasting in 2023, guest columnist Steve Goldstein takes us on a retrospective tour of business developments in the fast-moving, still-evolving industry. What is a podcast — that existential question starts things off. YouTube. Gimlet. The job scene. Amp. Brand safety. The audio market generally. Research notes. Success at the top. AI. Omnichannel distribution. SiriusXM. Wall Street. Public radio. And … the opportunity of 2024. A must read. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Authenticity And AI In Podcasting

by Steve Goldstein

“Authenticity is Merriam-Webster’s 2023 word of the year,” Steve Goldstein informs us in his latest guest column. That word resonated in the podcasting field, used to represent a unique value to both listeners and advertisers — “both a cliche and a cornerstone,” Steve says. That brings podcasting up against AI, arguably pretty low on the authenticity scale. Things brings up a conundrum: Is AI a boon to podcasting or a threat? Steve holds forth. Continue Reading

Steve Goldstein: Sound to Screen: How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck

by Steve Goldstein

In his latest guest column, Steve Goldstein gives the verbal stage to Steve Stockman, President of Custom Productions. He lays out a course of best practices for podcast videos. There is a difference between a podcast on YouTube and a YouTube podcast — and the difference lies in keeping the visual aspect interesting. “Video is a language.” This piece holds to high standards, but at low cost, and leans on the science of attention in visual presentations. An extraordinarily valuable and bracing interview. A must-read. Continue Reading

Mark Mulligan: Streaming’s problems will not be fixed by royalties alone

by Mark Mulligan

The royalty agreement crafted by Universal Music Group and the Deezer streaming platform has gotten a lot of attention. In his latest guest column, MiDIA Research chief Mark Mulligan says both parties want that attention, if not necessarily the exact commentary they hoped for. “Streaming royalties are not adding up because streaming is not adding up. Fixing royalties is only part of the solution,” Mark asserts. Part of the solution requires understanding how these services have evolved, and solutions must consider the audience’s needs. A must-read.
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