Google has unveiled an analytics tool for its podcast platform. The Google Podcasts Manager is the first move by Google to put data and analysis into the hands of creators using its service to distribute their shows. Continue Reading
Podtrac is continuing to share weekly updates of U.S. podcast listening, both in downloads and audience, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its latest data is for the week of April 27-May 3. A few other interesting trends are emerging out of Podtrac’s download growth charts for different categories. Continue Reading
Tech company AdsWizz is announcing a new layer to its AudioMatic and AudioServe digital audio advertising platforms. Called Dynamic Creative Optimization, it allows advertisers to use targeting data to generate over 10-million (that’s not a typo; ten million) ad creative variations which personalize advertising to listeners. Click for details. Continue Reading
The Pulitzer Prizes, which honor excellence in journalism, announced that there would be a category for Audio Reporting in the 2020 ceremony. The winner for that inaugural prize was given to the staff of This American Life, along with Molly O’Toole of the Los Angeles Times and Emily Green, a freelancer for Vice News. Continue Reading
Streaming radio platform AccuRadio has started rolling out new channels in fulfillment of a program which invites displace radio professionals to “build the station they’ve always wanted to program.” Each accepted station pays $300 to its creator. Additionally, five $1,000 payments will be awarded to curators based on five criteria. Continue Reading
The IFPI has released its annual global music report, offering a look back at the results for an increasingly international industry over the course of 2019. As we’ve already seen in so many individual markets, streaming is continuing to secure growing shares of the music market. It was responsible for more than half of the global revenue in 2019, according to the IFPI’s results. Continue Reading
With many artists struggling to make ends meet as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, more and more audio companies are promoting their tools to help them better reach listeners and continue to make money. There have been several moves in this space in the past week, so here’s a round-up of what’s happening where. Continue Reading
Sonos introduced a new content hub for ad-supported lean-back listening last month, and now we’ve learned more about what’s happening behind the scenes. Sonos tapped Targetspot for an exclusive global sales partnership for Sonos Radio. Continue Reading
Amazon released its first quarter financials. The company did see some adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its press release included some statements about measures taken to protect employees from the virus, but did not comment on the ongoing labor debates or union efforts happening among its workforce. Continue Reading
U.S. commercial radio raised $425,000 for Feeding America yesterday, in a rapidly organized effort called Radio Cares. Hundreds of stations and radio groups pitched in with on-air promotions. It was a virtuosic effort. What is podcasting doing, as a cohesive medium, in this national emergency. Maybe it’s time to develop a unifying trade organization. Continue Reading
ASCAP announced that it recorded record high distributions and revenues in 2019. The performing rights organization generated $1.274 billion in 2019 revenue, up from $1.227 billion the previous year. Distributions also surpassed $1 billion for the third consecutive year. Continue Reading
Voxnest has been monitoring the race between Apple and Spotify to be the top podcast listening platform. The company shared first-quarter data from its Voxnest Audience Network. It found that Spotify made some inroads into the U.S. market, grabbing the lead in a few states during the period. Continue Reading