RAIN Notes: August 6
The Power of Community Podcast Movement
Seeking Speakers Copyright + Technology conference
Partners in True Crime iHM + BBC
BBC
iHeartMedia lands exclusive U.S. ad repping of BBC podcasts
In a major cross-continental announcement, iHeartMedia has landed an agreement with BBC Studios to be the exclusive third-party sales partner for BBC podcasts in the U.S. “We couldn’t be more honored and excited,” said iHM CEO Conal Byrne Continue Reading
BBC plans new stations via DAB digital delivery
The BBC has announced a plan to expand its radio offering with four new stations on the DAB (Digital Audtio Broadcasting) system. “The new extensions look to delve deeper into specific genres and periods of music with context, curation and storytelling done in a way only the BBC can do,” the organization states. Elaborate descriptions are provided. Continue Reading
Nine podcast highlights in the BBC Annual Report 2022
The BBC generously released its annual report for 2022-2-23. Here, we identify nine key points in the 82-page document metrics about, and plans for, podcasting. Click through for the list. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds app increases listening +8%, podcasting +25%
BBC Sounds, the listening app launched in June, 2018, released listening growth metrics for 2021. Overall listening was up 8% from last year, while podcast listening grew 25%. Altogether, 1.3-billion plays were initiated in the app. The organization’s announcement identifies three main content types. Continue Reading
Acast re-ups with BBC for international podcast ad sales
Renewing a deal that started in 2018, Acast and the BBC have renewed their arrangement for a second three-year period. Acast will sell ads in BBC podcasts outside of the UK. It is strictly an international arrangement; the BBC arranges its podcast sponsorships directed to UK listeners. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds app in Q2: nearly 4M users, 300M+ plays
BBC Sounds, the digital player app produced by and representing the BBC, released a brief Q2 metrics report. The deck is free. Click through for some details and the download link. Continue Reading
BBC rebrands its production division and launches a podcast unit
The British public broadcaster has rebranded its production division, formerly BBC Radio & Music Production, which relaunched today as BBC Audio. This is part of a widespread de-platforming of radio and broader reconceptualization as audio. Four people staff the new unit, headed by Clare McGinn, previously Head of Production for BBC Radio 4 in Bristol. McGinn is a career BBC’er. Continue Reading
BBC Sounds generated 250 million plays in the fourth quarter of 2019
The BBC has shared a few statistics about its BBC Sounds, one of very few peeks behind the scenes with its app effort. During the last quarter of 2019, the app attracted a peak weekly audience of 2.9 million, besting the record of 2.5 million in the third quarter. Continue Reading
BBC Director General Tony Hall to step down this summer
The BBC will soon have new leadership. Tony Hall will step down as the venerable UK broadcaster’s director general this summer, ending a seven-year tenure. “If I followed my heart I would genuinely never want to leave,” Hall said of his difficult decision to exit. Continue Reading
BBC unveils interactive news service for voice-activated hardware
The BBC has introduced a new approach to providing news on voice-activated hardware. The broadcaster launched an interactive voice news service designed to let listeners have more control over what stories they hear. It is rolling out to Alexa-enabled devices initially, and the BBC expects to add other platforms in the future. Continue Reading
BBC study explores the power of branded podcasts
Several studies have explored the power of podcasts to forge personal connections with listeners, and a new investigation takes a closer look at how that applies to branded podcasts. BBC StoryWorks, the branded content division of the BBC Global News, commissioned a study by Neuro-Insight researchers into the power of sponsored shows to connect with listeners and achieve business goals. Continue Reading