In this episode of the New Media Show, hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, the hosts discuss their predictions for podcasting in 2025.

The conversation starts with Todd discussing the various online streaming platforms he has been experimenting with, specifically StreamYard, Riverside, and Restream. He shares frustrations about these platforms’ usability features, noting that specific platforms lack efficient screen-switching capabilities, which frustrate his workflow during live-streamed tech shows.

Rob then suggests considering OBS as an alternative, noting its steep learning curve but potential benefits. Todd laments spending on multiple streaming services that don’t meet all his needs. They agree that while some services come close to perfect with certain features, others lag frustratingly behind.

As the conversation evolves, they delve into broader predictions for podcasting in 2025. Both hosts agree that video podcasting will continue to gain attention, though they share concerns about whether monetization models for video content will become viable for creators. They also predict a rise in highly specialized podcasting networks focusing on niches, reflecting a media industry trend towards more targeted content offerings.

The conversation concludes with speculation about new technologies impacting podcasting, like evolving AI capabilities that might alter content production and distribution. The participants express skepticism about AI in content creation and stress the importance of authenticity in human-generated content.

Overall, the episode captures technical frustrations, insights into evolving media strategies, and thoughtful predictions about the podcasting industry’s trajectory into 2025. It is wrapped up in a candid and engaging conversation between two veterans in the field.

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In this podcast episode titled “Tired of the Video Discussion? Thank, Spotify / YouTube,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a comprehensive discussion around various aspects of podcasting, technology, and media platforms. The episode initiates with Todd explaining their switch to a new recording platform, Riverside, due to issues with video quality on other platforms. Both hosts express their frustrations with the limitations and changes in video uploading and streaming on platforms like Restream and StreamYard.

As the conversation progresses, they delve into recent developments with Riverside, including a significant funding round and new features like multitrack editing tools. Discussion shifts to general platform updates and their implications for content creators, highlighting how different platforms are integrating tools that simplify the content creation process and offer direct publishing to platforms like YouTube.

Midway through the episode, Todd and Rob discuss broader trends in the podcasting industry, including Spotify’s impact on podcast publishing and the handling of video content on the platform. They explore the technical and strategic challenges of adapting to platforms like Spotify that prioritize video, discussing potential impacts on audio content and advertising revenue.

The conversation shifts to lighter topics, including humorous anecdotes and personal experiences, maintaining a dynamic and engaging discourse. They touch on industry events, future predictions about video content, and the sustainability of heavy investments in video by big companies which might lead to layoffs if these investments do not return profits.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob maintain a critical and insightful dialogue on the evolving landscape of podcasting and video content, providing listeners with a deep dive into technical challenges, platform dynamics, and industry shifts. They wrap up the episode discussing their own experiences and plans with their podcasting endeavors and reflect on the broader implications of recent industry developments for independent creators and big platforms alike.

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Is Dave Winer intentionally ignoring the advancements of RSS that the Podcasting 2.0 initiative has been undertaking? I contend he has.  In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a varied discussion that starts with a casual conversation about Thanksgiving experiences and quickly dives into deeper issues regarding the current state and future of podcasting. The conversation is sparked by a statement from Dave Winer about the evolving use of the term “podcast,” particularly how it’s being co-opted by video content on platforms like YouTube. Winer suggests that enhancing the open podcast platform is crucial to preserving the creative essence of podcasting.

Todd and Rob discuss their concerns about the dilution of the podcast identity, emphasizing their efforts through “Podcasting 2.0” to innovate on RSS feeds, which they feel Winer underappreciates. They express frustration over Winer’s lack of engagement and his focus on past achievements.

Todd explains why he has stopped using Cloud Wowza for live HLS video due to cost inefficiency, directing viewers instead to individual platforms.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the changes and strategies in platforms like Spotify and YouTube, particularly how these platforms are influencing podcast formats and the importance of maintaining audio podcast integrity alongside video offerings. They criticize the industry’s heavy monetization tactics, often leading to overloaded ad placements that could alienate listeners.

Todd and Rob also explore broader trends in content consumption and platform loyalty and how podcasters can strategically navigate these changes to protect their content and audience engagement. They reflect on the need for podcasters to educate themselves on new technologies and innovations to keep up with the evolving media landscape.

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a light-hearted yet pointed critique of various players in the podcasting industry, including platform giants and even the pioneers who seem resistant to new changes. The episode ends with a call to podcasters to be adaptable, proactive, and mindful of their content’s integrity and strategic choices in a rapidly shifting digital environment.

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In this episode of the podcast “Podcasting is the Media,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee explore significant changes and developments within the podcasting industry. Todd Cochrane starts the conversation by reflecting on the broad perspective that podcasting and online media have become synonymous with mainstream media. Rob mentions specific shifts, like Comcast’s move away from mainstream cable channels due to declining audiences.

Rob Greenlee expands on the idea, discussing the role of video in podcasting and how major platforms have influenced the industry’s evolution. He talks about the derogatory treatment of video podcasting by more giant platforms like Spotify and the industry’s potential mistakes in handling video content. The discussion shifts to technical aspects of podcast video delivery and the economic factors that host platforms must consider.

Further into the episode, Todd highlights Apple’s responsiveness and innovation regarding podcasts, hinting at upcoming features that could benefit podcast creators. The conversation turns to the complexities introduced by platforms like Spotify.

The hosts also touch upon censorship and content management issues on various platforms, and Todd shares insights into some podcasts facing challenges with Spotify over content rights and licensing. They delve into the broader implications of how platforms manage user content and the potential barriers that proprietary platforms can establish, which may affect the open nature of podcasting typically enabled by RSS feeds.

The conversation takes a broader turn as they discuss the transitions from broadcasting to podcasting, referencing significant shifts seen within industries as mainstream media figures move to independent podcasting ventures. This leads to a discussion about ‘new media’ and whether traditional platforms like radio and cable are still relevant compared to the rapidly evolving podcast space.

Toward the end of the episode, Rob reflects on the potential future of podcasting, suggesting that it might increasingly blend with general online content creation rather than be a standalone format. This leads to their final thoughts on the importance of maintaining an open platform for podcasting, contrasting it with more closed ecosystems like YouTube or proprietary streaming services, where creators have less control.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the podcast industry’s current state and challenges, particularly focusing on the impact of technological changes, platform policies, and the shift toward more controlled content environments. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining the open, innovative spirit of podcasting amidst these developments.

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In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various topics related to the podcasting industry.

1. **Podcast Hall of Fame Updates:**
– Rob Greenlee talks about his recent work with the Podcast Hall of Fame, including updating the website and setting up a new board of governors to make the organization more inclusive. He mentions plans to have a more formalized nomination and voting process, aiming to expand recognition globally, although he acknowledges the challenges due to the shorter history of podcasting in international markets.

2. **Media Industry Observations:**
– The hosts discuss recent changes in the media, explicitly mentioning layoffs at iHeart and the overall shrinking job market in traditional media sectors like radio. They speculate these changes might be preemptive measures by companies bracing for an economic downturn.

3. **Spotify’s Video Podcast Offerings:**
-Discussion surfaces about Spotify’s push into video podcasting, including its strategy to offer ad-free video podcast viewing for premium subscribers in several countries and how it plans to compensate hosts based on viewership milestones.

4. **Buying Podcast Ads:**
Quoting Rocky Thomas from SoundStack at the ASI Radio and Audio Conference, the challenges of buying podcast ads are addressed. It was noted that although there are numerous advertising options in podcasting, the process remains cumbersome, which could be streamlined by aligning podcast ad buying terminologies more closely with those used in radio advertising.

5. **Live Audience Interaction:**
Throughout the podcast, Todd and Rob take comments from a live-streaming audience, answering questions and acknowledging listeners tuning into the broadcast.

6. **Future Planning:**
They discuss plans for the Podcast Hall of Fame, suggesting possibilities like hosting multiple induction ceremonies yearly to handle backlogs and increase recognition frequency. Todd also suggested a new podcast series featuring interviews with Hall of Fame inductees.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob blend their in-depth discussion of technical and industry topics with listener interactions and personal anecdotes from their extensive experience in podcasting, creating an informative yet conversational atmosphere.

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In the podcast episode titled “Legacy media is dead – Long live Podcasting!” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various issues concerning the state of media, particularly focusing on the rise of podcasting and its impact on traditional media, politics, and advertising.

The episode begins with Todd experiencing technical issues with his RODECaster Duo, which keeps disconnecting from his MacBook. This leads to a discussion on potential compatibility issues after a recent Mac update and the advantages of hardwired connections over wireless setups.

Rob shifts the conversation towards the influence of podcasting on the presidential election, suggesting that independent media, including podcasts, has become a significant source of information. He believes that podcasts offer detailed information and are less likely to spread falsehoods compared to traditional media. The hosts debate the role of podcasting in shaping public opinion, particularly during elections, and discuss the shift from celebrity endorsements to influencers like Joe Rogan who seem to resonate more with today’s voters.

There is a specific focus on how podcasting contrasts with legacy media. Todd reads a listener’s comment about how new media influencers potentially swayed voter behavior in favor of specific candidates. This leads to a broader discussion on the trustworthiness of media sources and the evolving landscape of media consumption where podcasts and online platforms are becoming more influential.

Throughout the episode, they express concerns about the potential misuse of editing within podcasts to misrepresent discussions—a practice they disdain and believe should be transparent to listeners. Both hosts reflect on the dynamics of media credibility and audience trust, analyzing how political biases and misinformation could tarnish media reliability.

Todd and Rob also talk about Spotify’s role in podcast distribution and advertising, touching upon issues with feed caching and their impact on content updates. They delve into technical aspects like the use of Brotli compression and its compatibility with Spotify’s systems, suggesting potential business motives behind technical decisions that affect podcast hosting and distribution.

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion pivots back to the impact of digital media on traditional broadcasting, with Rob suggesting that mainstream media must adapt or face diminishing relevance. They conclude by reaffirming their commitment to providing truthful, unedited content in their podcasts, promoting transparency and listener trust as foundational values.

Technical issues arise once again as Todd’s equipment loses connection, but despite these disruptions, the episode covers a range of topics linked to the overarching theme of shifting power dynamics in media due to the rise of podcasting and digital platforms.

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In this episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee delve into a multi-part discussion on issues impacting podcasting and the broader media landscape. The episode is informative and covers three main topics:

1. Download Fraud in Podcasting:
The hosts discuss an issue with a Spanish newspaper that made the top podcast list by auto-downloads, which inflated their numbers significantly. This practice violates the IAB podcast measurement guidelines. Todd shares an experience from Blubrry, where a similar issue occurred due to a code error in their web player, underscoring the challenges and the necessity for adherence to ethical standards in podcast statistics. Todd and Rob discuss the mechanisms and the technology behind these fraudulent activities and emphasize the importance of maintaining trust and transparency in podcast statistics.

2. Joe Rogan’s Interview with Former President Trump:
The conversation shifts to a recent significant event in podcasting—Joe Rogan’s interview with former President Donald Trump. This segment is notable for its potential implications for the media industry and politics. The hosts reflect on how traditional media no longer monopolizes large-scale interviews due to the advent of new media platforms like podcasts. They compare the extent of the audience reach and the massive viewership numbers that online platforms achieve compared to traditional media channels.

3. Decline of Traditional Media:
Todd and Rob discuss the decline of trust in traditional media, speculating that biased media coverage and the lack of exhaustive, unedited content contribute to this trend. They explore how podcasts are filling this gap by providing long-form, unedited content that allows for a more nuanced understanding of interview subjects, such as political figures.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their insights on the evolving media landscape, the vital role of ethical standards in podcasting, and the potential future where podcasts may increasingly serve as a primary source of detailed, trusted information. They also touch upon the broader implications of these changes for democracy and public engagement.

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In this episode of the “New Media Show, with guest Matt Cundill,” host Rob Greenlee starts the session by introducing Matt Cundill, a seasoned podcaster and voice from the radio industry. The episode begins with Greenlee explaining that Todd Cochrane is unavailable, and Cundill has joined him to discuss various pertinent topics within the realm of podcasting and media.

The conversation starts with discussing the implications of former President Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. It delves into the broader impact of politicians participating in podcasts and how this reflects on the medium’s growing influence. Cundill offers his perspective on podcasts becoming a significant platform for political engagement, highlighting how podcasts can reach key demographics that traditional media may not.

The hosts then discuss the successful live-streaming event Heroes For Democracy, co-produced by Rob Greenlee. This event leveraged platforms like StreamYard to engage a substantial audience. This segues into a broader discussion about the opportunities and challenges in the podcasting landscape, including the growth of local podcasts and the role of local radio stations.

Matt Cundill shares insights from Tom Webster’s study from Sounds Profitable, focusing on audio vs. video consumption preferences among podcast listeners. They explore the significance of a video strategy for podcasters, considering YouTube’s critical role in content discovery and audience engagement.

Tech Spotlight shifts to Google Labs’ NotebookLM, an AI-powered tool designed to assist podcasters with episode planning, scriptwriting, and content generation despite lacking audio or video cloning capabilities.

The conversation also covers the Canadian Podcast Awards, highlighting their significance and accessibility to participants.

Throughout the episode, Greenlee and Cundill continue to explore the evolving dynamics of podcasting, including the integration of technologies and the strategic importance of video content. They conclude with reflections on the current and future states of media consumption, audience engagement strategies, and the overarching impact of podcasting in the digital age.

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Watch Live:
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Connect with Us:

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X/Twitter: @RobGreenlee
Website: www.RobGreenlee.com
Instagram: @RobWGreenlee

Matt Cundill:
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Website: www.SoundOffPodcast.com
Instagram: @SoundOffPodcast

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Canadian Podcast Awards:
Website: www.CanPodAwards.ca
Twitter: @CanPodAwards
Instagram: @CanPodAwards

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In this episode, Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in an extensive discussion covering various trends relevant to the podcasting industry. Todd greets the audience and shares anecdotes from his travels, emphasizing the logistical challenges of international podcasting. Rob responds with technical insights, discussing issues and solutions related to podcasting hardware and software.

The conversation shifts to a detailed analysis of industry trends, mainly focusing on Libsyn’s new CEO appointment. Todd and Rob discuss the implications of these executive moves, especially highlighting the background of the newly appointed CEO from Megaphone and his potential impact on Libsyn’s future direction.

Throughout the episode, the hosts talk about the broader podcasting ecosystem, including changes in podcast consumption patterns and the evolving role of major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. They express concerns about the centralization of podcast content and the potential dilution of the open RSS feed system that has traditionally empowered independent creators.

Additionally, Todd and Rob explore technical advancements in podcast production, such as new video streaming services and hardware that cater to multi-camera setups, reflecting on how these tools can enhance podcast production values.

The dialogue also includes personal insights from the hosts’ experiences in podcast hosting and content distribution, underscoring the challenges and strategies for podcast growth and monetization.

In conclusion the episode, the hosts discuss their future aspirations for podcasting technology and the importance of maintaining an open, innovative environment that supports independent creators, given increasing corporate influence in the podcasting space.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob maintain a detailed, analytical perspective on the state of the podcast industry. They discuss technical specifics, industry news, and their personal experiences and predictions for the future of podcasting.

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In this podcast episode, titled “The Future of Podcast Monetization: Beyond Traditional Ads,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a detailed conversation about several pertinent topics related to the evolving landscape of podcasting. The episode unfolds with Rob joining remotely from New York where he attended both the NAB Show and Advertising Week.

The discussion kicks off with Rob sharing his observations from the events, noting a noticeable shift in exhibitor and attendee numbers at the NAB event compared to previous years. He points out that the radio industry’s representation at these events has grown, signifying a blending of traditional broadcasting with newer podcasting trends.

Part of the episode celebrates Todd Cochrane’s twentieth anniversary in podcasting, noting milestones and changes throughout his podcasting career. Both hosts share nostalgic moments and reflect on the growth of podcasting as a medium, including its adoption by radio as a legitimate platform.

The dialogue shifts to a deeper discussion on monetization strategies beyond traditional advertising, including the rise of influencer-focused marketing and the authenticity of sponsorships. Rob relates his experience at Advertising Week, highlighting the trend of brands seeking genuine, credible partnerships with content creators to foster trust and connection with the audience, mirroring early podcasting ethos of authentic host-read ads.

As the conversation unfolds, Todd and Rob dive into the topic of community building around podcasts, noting the challenges and inefficacies of using platforms like Facebook and the advantages of independent community platforms. They explore how these platforms can enable more meaningful, direct interactions with audiences without the filtering effects of algorithm-driven social media.

Furthermore, they debate the growing trend of video in podcasting, their experiences with integrating video content, and its impact on audience engagement and monetization. Rob provides insights on the orientation of industry events towards video and digital content strategies, observing a substantial push towards more dynamic content forms to meet evolving advertiser and viewer expectations.

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts touch on the implications of AI in content creation, emphasizing the need for transparency and authenticity in AI-generated content to maintain trust and quality in podcasting.

The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on personal experiences and broader changes in the podcasting industry, offering a robust analysis of the future of podcast monetization and content creation. Todd and Rob’s dialogue provides both a retrospective and a prospective view on the strategies that could shape the future of podcasting.

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