Friday Newsflow
What happened in the podcast world this week.
I’ve been nurturing a running injury all week so I feel like I’m running a little behind today. This week has been a relatively quiet one but it looks like some bigger things are stirring in the podcasting world. Let’s dive into what happened this week.
Platform and Content Strategy Updates
Despite speculation that Spotify had pulled back on big spending, the company is making seven-figure offers to encourage video-oriented creators to distribute their shows on Spotify alongside YouTube, according to Ashley Carman of Bloomberg. Notably, when videos are uploaded to Spotify, the platform extracts audio from the video file rather than the RSS feed, bypassing dynamically inserted ads.
The BBC is expanding its podcast windowing strategy by making more episodes available exclusively behind a registration wall on the BBC Sounds app for a limited time—usually one week or 28 days—before releasing them on open RSS. The BBC reports a successful 18-month trial with 218,000 listeners using BBC Sounds, representing 4.3% of the total audience. However, the majority of listeners still prefer open RSS.
Audience Insights and Demographics
New data from Morning Consult, based on surveys of 68,000 respondents, shows that weekly podcast listeners are more likely than the general U.S. population to earn at least $100,000 annually, hold advanced degrees, and occupy high-ranking job titles like CEO or director. Weekly listeners are also heavy spenders, with 72% shopping on mobile apps weekly, compared to 57% of the general population.
Product and Pricing Changes
Buzzsprout has rolled out redesigned podcast websites, offering podcasters a professional look without the hassle. New features include contributor bios for guests and hosts, fan mail messages, recommended podcasts, and more. The Podnews Weekly Review is both hosted and sponsored by Buzzsprout.
Customers of the live streaming and recording tool StreamYard may be reconsidering their subscriptions after an 80% price increase. Monthly fees have jumped from $25 to $44.99, with the new rates automatically applying to existing subscribers next month. StreamYard was acquired by Bending Spoons, who have a history of steep price increases, and the company’s original co-founders left four months ago. Attempts to buy back StreamYard were unsuccessful.
Industry Funding and Updates
LAist, a radio station and podcast producer in Los Angeles, has been awarded a $2.4 million grant as part of a $15 million funding initiative by the LA Local News Initiative to support local journalism.
iOS 18 is set to release next week, bringing new features to Apple Podcasts, including improved scrubbing with chapter points and titles visible on the playback bar. Think about adding chapters to your shows using tools like Forecast or Hindenburg to enhance listener experience.
Catch up on our shows
Welcome to the newest Atabey & Co network show Afrocentric.
Afrocentric /ˌafrōˈsentrik/: Regarding African or Black culture as preeminent. Hosted by Morgan Gray, this educational podcast adopts an Afrocentric worldview, placing African/Black cultural experiences at the forefront. It deconstructs Eurocentric narratives through insightful discourse and incisive analysis, offering authentic, empowering alternatives. Confront societal biases and celebrate Black excellence while evolving your perspective through an Afrocentric lens. Navigate predominantly white spaces with cultural pride and self-assurance. Join the movement. Embrace the movement.
Take a listen to the most recent episode below.
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are exploring bizarre and unexpected places where people have passed away. From curious mysteries to unusual circumstances, we dive into these strange tales. Tune in for a mix of intrigue and surprise, then let’s lighten the mood with a fun coffee chat afterward!
A graduate student goes on a midday bike ride and doesn't come back, sparking one of the largest manhunts in Canada. What happened to Ardeth Wood? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime.
On Grad School Femtoring, Yvette shares intentional rituals that can boost your focus, particularly on challenging tasks. She also explores the importance of identifying personal triggers, differentiating between rituals and habits, and implementing small, manageable practices to maintain both productivity and clarity.
In this revealing episode of Orgasmica, Virginia sits down with her partner Adam Mayfield for a candid conversation about his evolving views on marriage and relationships. Adam opens up about why he never envisioned himself getting married, sharing personal stories of his trials and tribulations in love and life. Together, they discuss the unique challenges they've faced as a couple, with Adam delving into the most difficult aspect of their relationship at the moment, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into their journey. This episode is a blend of vulnerability, growth, and the power of love to reshape beliefs.
On the latest episode of Sleeping with Sonja, Sonja welcomes her close friend, Dr. Niki Grayer, an anesthesiologist and critical care physician, to explore the complexities of identity, professional reentry, and balancing family responsibilities. Together, they offer a candid discussion on redefining personal worth beyond job titles, the nuances of navigating the medical profession, and the importance of being fully present both at work and at home.
On The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana is celebrating her fourth podcast anniversary by reflecting on her incredible journey. She’s delving into an important and often overlooked topic: grief in our careers, and sharing her personal revelations from a recent voice lesson, where her teacher pointed out the grief and tension she was holding in her face, impacting her ability to learn and grow as an artist. She also discusses the significant changes in the industry, the shift to self-tapes, and the resulting loss of social interaction—a crucial aspect of the artistic community.
On Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the amazing Niamh McAnally. Niamh is an Irish-born bestselling author, keynote & corporate speaker, former TV director, and youngest daughter of the late BAFTA award-winning actor, Ray McAnally, and actor, Ronnie Masterson. Niamh has traveled all over the world and lived and worked as a volunteer in many island nations in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.
Dr. Dee is back on Twin Moms Thriving and is explaining why being Supermom really isn't the compliment people think it's meant to be. Listen in to her own "supermom" moments that left her tired and burned out and how she strives to thrive as a mom instead of be super.
On While She’s Away, Dianni sitts down with the amazing Nienke Nina to dive into the ins and outs of freelancing, online business, and digital nomad life. Nienke Nina talks about her journey and why LinkedIn, setting boundaries, and having a solid support system have been key to her business success.
Lastly, on Wining About Herstory, Kelley tells the story of Penelope Barker, a woman living in the American Colonies who capitalized on several husbands' (unintentional) deaths to raise her status, make her own money, and start the first women's political movement! Then, Emily tells the story Phyllis Lumley, the woman behind the viral 1950s television clip who raised seven children with no arms and, most impressive, didn't need anyone to light her own cigarette.
New Show Alert - Dealcraft: Insights from Great Negotiators!
From Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, to trade agreements with China, to pivotal Blackstone deals, and to the peaceful end of apartheid in South Africa, landmark agreements are often spearheaded by savvy negotiators who employ winning strategies and tactics.
Introducing Dealcraft: Insights from Great Negotiators, the new weekly podcast that features interviews with world’s greatest dealmakers and diplomats, discussing their most challenging and complex negotiations. Each episode, host Jim Sebenius – Harvard Business School professor and renowned negotiation expert – relates fascinating deal stories and distills useful insights for listeners to apply in their toughest deals and disputes.
A few of the many featured guests include:
Blackstone Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Steve Schwarzman on the early make-or-break negotiations that launched the firm that is now a financial juggernaut;
Legendary entertainment attorney John Branca on how he negotiated the acquisition of the Beatles catalog for Michael Jackson at a bargain price, beating out rivals such as Richard Branson and others who made even higher bids for this prize;
Former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Hillary Clinton on how they negotiated with Vladimir Putin – with implications for dealing with really hard bargainers;
Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres on how she “saved” the Paris climate talks; and
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on how he handled pivotal points in his critical negotiations with China, Russia, and the Middle East.
Dealcraft debuted on September 9th and the first two episodes are available now. New episode release every Monday.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
Featured Event: The Power of Listener Feedback: Leveraging Annual Surveys for Long-Term Growth with Rosemarie Callender - September 18th at 3pm EST:
This workshop will teach you how to conduct annual listener surveys that not only gather feedback but also provide actionable insights for long-term growth. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
Create a Killer Podcast Concept - Podcasting for Business - September 17th at 1pm EST: A podcast concept is the heart of your future show - it’s what the Podcast will do and how it will do it. In this 30-minute session you’ll learn how to create a podcast concept that helps: you meet business objectives, is structured to bring value to your company, meshes with your existing brand messaging and is memorable to your audience. [Free]Podcast Growth Hour with Lauren Passell - September 18th at 12pm EST: Join as Craig Hewitt from Castos and Lauren Passell from Tink Media give live, unfiltered, and personal advice to 1 lucky podcaster on how to grow their show. This is a Podcast Therapy session, where we'll deep dive into an audience member's podcast, their growth goals, and what steps they can take to level up their show's marketing efforts. [Free]
Phoenix Podcasters September Meet-Up - September 19th at 6pm MST: Come join us for our monthly meet-up at Fate Brewing Company - Phoenix! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow podcasters, share tips and tricks, and hang out with others in the podcasting community. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, all are welcome! Let's grab a drink, chat about our latest episodes, and maybe even plan some exciting collaborations. [Free]
How to Have an Engaging Solo Show - September 25th at 7pm EST: Solo podcasting presents unique challenges but also offers unparalleled opportunities for personal expression and creativity. In this training, we'll dive into the techniques and strategies that can help you create engaging, dynamic, and successful solo podcast episodes that keep your listeners coming back for more. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
How to Build Thought Leadership as a Podcaster (Even if You Think You’re Not Qualified Enough) - September 26th at 1pm EST: Thought leadership is a skill that all podcasters and audio creators have the potential to hone. This webinar will teach you how to position your podcast so you can become known for your unique story, perspectives, and the value you bring. [Free]
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 7-day free trial here.
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Love these updates! So helpful and interesting! Thank you for reporting!