

Podnews Weekly Review
James Cridland and Sam Sethi
The last word in podcasting news.Every Friday, James Cridland and Sam Sethi review the week's top stories from Podnews; and interview some of the biggest names making the news from across the podcast industry.Winner, "Best Podcasting Podcast", 2025 Ear Worthy AwardsSupport the show at https://weekly.podnews.net - or hit the boost button! Sponsored by Buzzsprout: start podcasting - keep podcasting!
Episodes
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28 snips
Jul 14, 2023 • 1h 13min
Celebrating 20 Years of Podcasting with Rob Greenlee and Christopher Lydon
Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(This description produced by Buzzsprout's CoHost AI tool)Guess what? Podcasting is celebrating its 20th anniversary and I have the honor of discussing this milestone with none other than Rob Greenlee, one of the first podcasters in the world! Rob shares his views on the journey of podcasting, the role of commercialization and the significance of major companies in the industry. And there's more - we also get nostalgic about the genesis of podcasting with the pioneer himself, Christopher Lydon, who applauds podcasting as a platform for impactful discourse.Are you curious about the evolution of podcasting? Allow Rob to guide you through the remarkable transformation of this medium. From humble beginnings to the advent of high-quality audio and riveting content, and its emergence as an activist catalyst of change, we explore it all. We also probe the influence of mainstream media, the importance of independent voices, and the crucial role of trust in podcasting.Technology enthusiasts, hold tight for this one - we delve into the latest advancements in podcasting tools. Spotlight on AI-powered tools like Spot On and Adthos that have revolutionized commercial delivery and production. But wait, there's a twist! We express apprehensions about the use of voice cloning technology in enhancing listener engagement. Wrapping up, we introduce you to the novel idea of podcast location tagging by topic, alongside the advantages of utilizing OpenStreetMap IDs. So, tune in and take a leap into the future of podcasting!Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

Jul 7, 2023 • 1h 16min
Libsyn's John W Gibbons, and Android's fragmentation
Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(This produced by Buzzsprout's CoHost AI tool)Leave a comment about this episode: https://podcastindex.social/@samsethi/110673314068746651Ever wonder how the world of podcasting is being reshaped by tech and AI? Join us as we dive into the intricacies of the podcasting industry, dissecting intriguing data from OP3 that highlights the dominance of Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Core Media. We'll also discuss an astonishing revelation from an Acast study: 79% of podcast listeners are at ease with AI's expanding role in podcasting.The focus then shifts to the business side of podcasting with an exploration of Libsyn's transformative journey and expansion plans, in an interview with John W Gibbons. We'll touch on the challenges of maintaining a successful business, the culture that nurtures innovation, and the importance of strategic financial decision-making, as exemplified by Libsyn's Podcast 2.0 initiative and de-listing saga.Finally, we'll bring you the latest from the heavy hitters – Audible and Apple Podcasts. We'll discuss Audible's strategy behind labeling exclusive shows. Also, we'll provide a snapshot of the latest data from Buzzsprout's platform stats for June. So, whether you're a podcaster, a podcast enthusiast, or an industry insider, this episode is packed with insights and revelations that you won't want to miss. Listen in!Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

4 snips
Jun 30, 2023 • 1h 5min
Stitcher's Closure, and Naomi Mellor on the International Women's Podcast Awards
Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(This description mostly by Buzzsprout's CoHost AI)Are you ready to get the inside scoop on the world of podcasting? We're shedding light on the closure of Stitcher, a pioneering podcast app, and its ripple effects, particularly on listeners outside the US. We're venturing back to the app's beginnings, and its unique user experience. Sirius XM's future plans for the Stitcher brand also feature in our conversation. In the same breath, we turn our sights to the evolution of podcast advertising. Acast's new self-service platform is on the agenda, as is an in-depth analysis of Max Cutler's candid insights on the future of podcasting and his appeal for more resourceful shows. We're also highlighting the latest data on podcast consumption, with statistics from Australia, legal developments in New Zealand, and fresh research from Spain. Our discourse further extends to the latest events in the industry, featuring everything from MediaCorp's podcast talent hunt in Singapore to Daniel Ek's new role at Spotify. We won't leave out the exciting news on upcoming podcast awards. Buckle up for a fascinating journey into the ever-evolving world of podcasting.Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 3min
Spotify Supremium, Acast Plus Access, and Listener Habits
Send James and Sam a message or voicemailEver wondered how Facebook fares in the podcast platform rankings? This week's episode is packed with the latest podcasting news, featuring discussions on Spotify's new Supremium tier, the redesigned desktop app, and their controversial partnership with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Join me, James Cridland, the editor of Pod News, and my co-host, Sam Sethi, CEO of Podfans, as we unravel the mysteries of podcast consumer behavior, explore Apple's enhanced search, and dive deep into Acast's launch of Acast Plus Access.We also shed light on some intriguing survey results that will change the way you think about podcast listeners' habits. Learn how Mags Creative's deal with CAA will impact the podcasting industry, discover German podcasting's secret sauce, and hear about an unusual investment made by the Australian Radio Network in a leading radio broadcaster and podcast maker. Our conversation is filled with insights and revelations to keep you informed and entertained.As we wrap up this episode, we discuss the potential of podcast verify and the Podcast Standards project. Get acquainted with podcastdata.org, a powerful new tool for analyzing podcast trends, and find out about exciting upcoming events like Podcast Movement in Denver and Podcast Day Asia in Kuala Lumpur. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode covering all the latest happenings in the podcasting world!Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

Jun 16, 2023 • 56min
with Skye Pillsbury - Spotify's Ad Analytics is launched, and Apple to kill value4value?
Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(The below is AI generated)What if you could access exclusive insights on the latest podcasting developments, straight from the industry's experts? Join us this week as we sit down with Skye Pillsbury, creator of the Squeeze newsletter, to uncover the most recent news in the podcasting world, including Spotify's exciting new Ad Analytics platform and a closer look at WNYC's recent challenges.Together with Skye, we explore podcast monetization with a focus on Spotify's efforts in Asia, as well as the implications of YouTube's entry into podcasting and Apple's policy on value for value podcasting 2.0. Don't miss our discussion on recent industry news such as Triton's ad booking platform, Spotify's investment in Saudi Arabian gaming podcast PodCamp, and the forthcoming Infinite Dial 2023 Australia report.As if that's not enough, we also touch on the potential of AI and chatbots in podcasting and share exciting details about upcoming events like Podcast Movement, Pod News Live, the British Podcast Awards, and the Independent Podcast Awards. Plus, we can't help but chat about our vacation plans, working from home, and the joys of long-haul flights. Get ready for an engaging and informative episode you won't want to miss!Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

Jun 9, 2023 • 1h 31min
Spotify Layoffs, AI-Powered Discovery, NYT Audio, and PodX/Listen Merger
Send James and Sam a message or voicemailWhat if you had insider access to the latest in podcasting news, trends, and expert insights? Look no further! This week, we bring you an action-packed episode featuring exclusive interviews with Mukul Devichand from the New York Times, Bradley Davis of PodChaser, Josh Adley of Listen, and Staffan Rossell of PodX. Together, we dissect the impact of Spotify's job cuts, their exclusive content strategy, and explore the future of podcasting.Curious about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing podcast discovery? Learn how Podchaser's Collections+ leverages AI and machine learning to help listeners find their perfect podcast match. We also dive into Apple's latest updates to their podcast app, enhancing user experience and setting new records for podcast downloads.But wait, there's more! Discover how PodX's acquisition of Listen, a London-based audio production company, is shaking up the podcasting industry. Hear from Josh and Steffan on the specifics of the deal, their mission to empower podcast creators, and the future of podcast production. Don't miss this opportunity to stay in the know on the ever-evolving world of podcasting. Tune in now!Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 28min
Gaslighting the Industry: Big Names Support, AI Transformations, and RSS Feed Frustrations
Send James and Sam a message or voicemail(The title, description and transcript are by Buzzsprout's AI tools. The chapter marks were manual - J)Are you ready to tackle the controversial topic of gaslighting in the podcast industry? This week, we discuss the actions of major players like Google, Apple, and Spotify, and examine their lack of support for the wider podcast community. We also share our thoughts on the recent Podcast Show in London and the disappointment surrounding YouTube's RSS ingest trial.We don't shy away from discussing the inadequate financial support provided by big names like Apple and Spotify. Join us as we question Apple's secretive approach to supporting events and their reluctance to provide API access for content creators. We also dive into the role of the Podcast Standards Group and their lack of action in challenging these issues and promoting diversity within the industry.Finally, we explore the transformative potential of AI in podcasting, with a focus on Ausha's AI-powered platform and Buzzsprout's Co-host AI feature. Learn about the benefits of AI-generated titles, descriptions, and chapter markers, as well as the importance of partnering with third-party companies for these services. Don't miss this insightful episode as we navigate the complex landscape of the podcast industry and share our thoughts on these pressing issues.Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

May 26, 2023 • 40min
Live at The Podcast Show: YouTube RSS plans and the Edison Podcast Ranker
Send James and Sam a message or voicemailSpecial guest: the audienceLive from The Podcast Show, Sam and James look back at the week's podcasting news.Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

May 19, 2023 • 2h 28min
New Releases and MD Interviews: Oscar Merry (Fountain 0.7), Martin Mouritzen (Podfriend 2.0) and Mark Asquith (Captivate Creator Suite).
Send James and Sam a message or voicemailSpecial Guests:Mark Asquith - Captivate Oscar Merry - FountainMartin Mouritzen - Podfriend News: The New York Times released its standalone Audio appSpotify’s AI DJ launches in UK and IrelandThe US podcast ad market is now worth $1.8bn, according to new data from the IAB and PWC. The IAB predicts the market will be $3.9bn by 2025.Buzzsprout has enlarged its podcast advertising tool to allow ads from products and businesses.The Diary Of A CEO is now streaming on BBC iPlayer!Good Tape is a new print magazine from Dane Cardiel VP, Gumball. Sign upShreya Sharma has unveiled Audio Currents, a newsletter for global audio news, creator interviews and releasesA group of media and investment veterans are launching a new podcast company called DWNLOAD MediaRAJAR released the Spring 2023 MIDAS ReportThe Podcast Namespace is working on closing Phase 6 - June 1st. The Podnews Weekly Review - the last word in podcasting news - will also be the last word on The Amplify Theatre stage at The Podcast Show in London next week. Watch the show, live, with Sam Sethi and James Cridland, with guests and a look back at the news: Thursday May 25 at 4.15pm. Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net

May 12, 2023 • 1h 36min
Broadcast to Podcast; plus, a look ahead at The Podcast Show
Send James and Sam a message or voicemailSpecial Guests: Rob Lowenthal - Spotify/MegaphoneSharon Taylor - Triton DigitalDarby Dorras - ListenTom Billington - The Podcast ShowNews: Acast released Q1/23 financials. Acast now hosts more than 100K registered podcasts globally and they’ve also exceeded 100mn monthly unique listeners. They have now paid more than $250 million out to their creators since Acast began.Amazon Music is paying some Australian listeners AUD$5 (USD$3.39) in vouchers just for listening to a podcast on the platform. Amazon quietly acquired Snackable, an AI platform.The Podcast Show 2023. You can still buy tickets for the event - the code PODNEWS will get you a discount.Bumper looks at ways to look at Listen Time as a method to measure your audience’s engagement with your podcast. Podcasting on YouTube is a flop so far, reports Ashley Carman in her newsletter.NewsGuard, a “news reliability data service”, has announced its entry into podcasting today. Support the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.netFediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.socialSupport us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/supportGet Podnews: podnews.net


