Friday Newsflow
What happened in the podcast world this week.
We’re back to no video this week since I literally have 30 minutes to get ready before my chiropractor appointment! There’s not much that happened this week in podcast, but I want to make sure to recognize our three amazing network shows that were winners at this year’s Signal Awards! Let’s get into it.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Atabey & Co. shows won big at the 3rd Annual Signal Awards!
Grad School Femtoring by Yvette Martinez-Vu won Silver in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category.
The Artist Pivot by Ayana Major Bey won Bronze and the Listener’s Choice award in the Artists & Designers Shaping Culture category.
Bite-Sized Crime by Joy Scaglione won Bronze in the Individual Episodes - True Crime category.
Acast, in collaboration with Edison Research, released its Podcast Pulse report, which shows that 80% of podcast listeners tune into niche podcasts, with 63% less likely to skip ads in these shows. Additionally, 92% of listeners prefer podcasts for their in-depth coverage on topics not typically explored in other media.
Apple Podcasts has surpassed 100 million available episodes, according to Podcast Industry Insights, which has also removed the paywall on its historic graphs.
Last Wednesday from The Drum editor-in-chief Gordon Young: As of October 14th, new legislation from the FTC regarding fake endorsements and undisclosed influencer partnerships has gone into effect. The new rules focusing on endorsements and partnerships carries a fine up to $43,792 per violation.
SwayID’s Kaeya Majmundar says the truly surprising aspect of the new legislation is the speed at which it was passed, with many brands unaware of concepts that used to be guidelines now carrying a fine. She compares the potential upcoming flood of influencer marketing infractions to brands encountering ADA lawsuits over website accessibility. The new FTC crackdown aims to stem the tide of fake reviews, undisclosed paid endorsements, and misleading testimonials.
Financial Updates and Growth
SiriusXM’s podcast advertising revenue increased by 6% quarter-over-quarter, while ad revenue for Pandora declined by 2% in the same period.
For the first time in eight years, Pantheon Media is opening a crowd equity funding round to raise up to $1.2 million, valuing the company at $10 million.
Industry Collaborations and Expansions
Independent podcast network Ossa Collective has partnered with Colture Media to launch the Colture Podcast Network, which aims to elevate creators who focus on artistic vision, influence, and authentic audience connections.
Regulatory and Compliance Changes
As of October 14th, the FTC’s new rules regarding fake endorsements and undisclosed influencer partnerships are now in effect, with fines up to $43,792 per violation. SwayID’s Kaeya Majmundar noted the speed of the legislation’s passage, highlighting the shift from guidelines to enforceable rules. This crackdown targets fake reviews, undisclosed paid endorsements, and misleading testimonials.
Catch up on our shows
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are tackling hilarious and thought-provoking “would you rather” scenarios that reveal their quirks and personalities.
When a woman goes missing in a small town, her family searches for answers. Did Ashley walk away from her life, or was she the victim of foul play? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime!
In this special episode of Grad School Femtoring, Yvette shares exciting news about winning a Signal Award and reflects on the power of visibility, community, and hard work.
Over on The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana is taking a deep dive into the creative journeys of her guests Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell. They discuss non-linear career paths and making peace with one’s decisions, the significance of discovering personal passions and how viewing industry changes as opportunities to create authentic storytelling.
On Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the amazing Ehmandah Ramsey. Ehmandah, your #l purpose pusher, is a multifaceted powerhouse, blending her roles as a coach, speaker, entrepreneur, Founder of She Stories, and host of the Dope Confidence Podcast.
On Twin Moms Thriving, Dr. Dee shares the concept of surrender and how she has learned it doesn't mean giving up something but, more so, letting go to replace it with what is needed for the place, time, and season you're in.
Last but not least, on Writing Black Joy, Safiya and guest Karen Roswell talk about the narratives that are portrayed about Black women in art and photography, as well as the narratives that we tell ourselves, and how she believes in rewriting those narratives.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
Featured Event: Getting The Most Out of Podcasting on Both Sides of the Mic with Alex Sanfilippo of PodMatch - November 5th at 5pm ET:
Join Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch.com and host of "Podcasting Made Simple," for an interactive workshop designed to enhance your skills as both a podcast host and guest. Learn how to create compelling content, craft standout pitches, and utilize technology like PodMatch to grow your influence and reach in the podcasting world. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
Building the Perfect Podcast System with Notion + Zapier - November 7th at 1:30pm ET: Are you overwhelmed by the endless tasks involved in producing your podcast? Do you find yourself juggling episode planning, guest outreach, sponsor management, and wish there was a better way to handle it all? Join us for an exclusive 60-minute webinar where Podcast & Systems Expert Joe Casabona shows you how to build the perfect podcast system using Notion and Zapier. Learn how to save time, reduce stress, and focus on what you love most—creating amazing content. [Free]
Developing Your Brand's Internal Super Fans - November 15th at 5pm ET: Discover how a leading financial services brand podcast transformed casual listeners into dedicated super fans, driving significant growth and brand favorability. This presentation will unveil innovative internal socialization strategies that leverage the power of internal audience engagement and advocacy to build a loyal listener base. [Free]
Maximizing Your Podcast's Impact in the Holiday Season - November 21st at 12pm ET: This workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to create compelling holiday content that resonates with listeners. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
Amplify Your Voice, Elevate Your Business - December 5th at 12pm ET: This weekly class is perfect for those who want to take their message to the masses, build their brand, and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. [Free]
Brand Podcast Summit 2025 - January 14 - 15th: A free, two-day virtual event designed to help brands revolutionize their marketing through successful brand podcast strategies. It is designed for marketers, founders, and business leaders who want to break away from the more traditional marketing approaches. For those who want to use podcasting to become thought leaders in their industry, gain leads and raise brand awareness [Free]
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
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