Understanding Podcasting's Holdouts, New Marketing Podcast Awards, & More

Podcast Audience Growth & Non-Listener Research: Tom Webster's new Podcast Landscape data reveals that the 25% of U.S. adults who have never listened to a podcast are best reached via YouTube and Facebook, and respond better to topic-driven messaging than format or technology-focused promotion.

Apple Podcasts HLS Video Distribution Update: Apple's iOS 26.4 update expands HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video podcast support, adding hosting platforms Podspace, Riverside, Ausha, and Firstory to its growing list of approved Apple Podcasts distribution partners.

Podcast Awards & Creator Recognition: As digital creators push for mainstream recognition alongside Hollywood talent, the podcast industry continues to build its own awards ecosystem — including The Ambies, the iHeartPodcast Awards, and the newly launched Indie Podcast and Creator Awards, debuted at Podcast Movement Evolutions during SXSW 2026.

Content Strategy & Discoverability in Podcasting: Steve Raizes argues in his new Media, Built newsletter that great podcast content must be "built to travel" — integrating marketing and communication strategy from creation to distribution in order to drive audience growth and reach.

Marketing Podcast Awards & Industry Recognition: The Marketing Podcast Network has launched the MPN Awards, an annual awards show celebrating top marketing podcasts available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with nominations open through April 30 and a livestream ceremony planned for June.