In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, the discussion centers on various topics in the podcasting space, with a particular focus on the emerging interest in video podcasting publishing formats.

The episode starts with Todd welcoming listeners and mentioning that Rob has joined him for the episode. They begin by discussing the ongoing evolution in podcasting and how the interest in video podcasts via open RSS feeds is growing. Rob notes that such interest might seem new, but has been simmering for some time.

Todd brings up a behind-the-scenes conversation from a Slack channel regarding HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and how it is being discussed among industry peers. He mentions his conversations with Apple during a recent podcast event in London, reflecting on how he may have been one of the few advocating for the issues at hand.

As they continue, they touch on the technical challenges surrounding hosting video podcasts, particularly the costs associated with bandwidth and the potential impact of monetization if platforms like Apple start caching video content. Rob expresses that the architecture for programmatic advertising in video podcasts is there but hasn’t been fully implemented.

The hosts reflect on whether they’ve received feedback from their audience regarding the video quality of past shows and review the general appetite for audio versus video content in the industry. They discuss how audience feedback on video quality has been minimal over the years.

Todd shares a recent observation about video podcasts, highlighting the importance of streaming technology versus traditional MP4 formats and emphasizing the need for seamless switching between audio and video. They both agree on the necessity of making video content discoverable, particularly by platforms like Apple.

The conversation shifts towards advertising trends in the podcasting industry. Todd notes concerns over a softening podcast advertising market and declining CPMs, while Rob suggests that this might influence future advertising strategies. They mention how engagement could be affected by shifts from audio to video formats and the importance of retaining a user-friendly experience in the podcasting landscape.

Todd shares insights from PodTrak regarding a decline in podcast rankings and engagement, indicating that advertisers must reevaluate their strategies in light of shifting audience behaviors. The hosts consider how competition from platforms like Spotify and YouTube may drive innovation in video podcasting and how the industry might adapt accordingly.

In discussing the aesthetics of podcasting setups, Todd mentions watching bourbon review channels on YouTube and how they reflect a shift towards more authentic settings. They deliberate on the evolving visual appeal in podcasting, suggesting that traditional studio setups may be on the decline in favor of more natural environments.

Returning to technical and content-related issues, they both express concern about the implications of AI-generated content in the podcasting space, debating the ethics and how misinformation could be flagged in audio content. Todd proposes a need for a system to delineate levels of AI involvement in content creation.

As the episode wraps up, Todd and Rob invite listeners to engage with them by sharing feedback on topics or insights they might wish to discuss about the podcasting industry, emphasizing their openness to candid discussions on advertising trends.

Both hosts conclude by encouraging their audience to subscribe to the podcast, highlighting its availability on various platforms and emphasizing the ongoing relevance of audio and video content creation within podcasting. They sign off, looking forward to reconnecting in the next episode.

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In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various developments in the podcasting industry, including the surge of live festivals, the opening of awards voting, and Apple’s 20th anniversary of supporting podcasts.

The episode begins with Todd and Rob checking in with each other, with Todd sharing updates about his studio and the issues he’s experiencing with his podcasting gear. They quickly dive into topics set for discussion, mentioning the podcast awards and podcast festivals. Todd highlights the recent discussions surrounding Apple Podcasts and its 20-year support, reflecting on the nostalgia and excitement, but also expressing a desire for Apple to promote shows that have been around for that long.

Rob agrees, pointing out that newer audiences may not be interested in the legacy shows. They also discuss the growth of live podcasting events, referencing past successes and the potential for more live events, especially in major cities like New York.

As they delve deeper, they express concern about the future of podcast conferences in the U.S. Todd mentions a decline in interest in these events, contrasting it with the vibrant atmosphere at previous gatherings. They reflect on their past experiences at successful live events, speculating that the popularity of podcasting could lead to a resurgence in live, fan-focused events.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming Podcast Movement conference in Dallas, where both hosts will be attending. Todd voices concerns about attendance and the changing nature of these events, suggesting a strategic shift where they will focus more on promoting their new product.

The hosts then discuss the upcoming People’s Choice Podcast Awards, noting slightly lower registration numbers this year but emphasizing the significance of being included on the slate. They encourage podcasters to register and participate, comparing the awards to the increasing number of different award ceremonies emerging in the industry.

The latter part of the episode centers on the debate about video podcasting versus audio. There is a discussion about the merits and challenges of video podcasts, including resource demands, audience engagement, and technical aspects like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming). They touch on HLS technology and the current reluctance of various hosting platforms to adopt it, noting that while video has advantages, audio still holds significant value.

Finally, they conclude with a brief note about Audacy partnering with iHeartRadio to expand its podcast reach, before reiterating the mixed feelings surrounding the current state of the podcasting industry and the need to attract new creators. They emphasize the importance of delivering viable audio content, especially for new podcasters, encouraging a continued focus on growth and sustainability within the medium.

The hosts close the episode, thanking their audience and mentioning their respective contact information, inviting listeners to engage with them further.

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In the podcast episode titled “Expanding Podcast Image Standards for a Better Cross-App Experience,” host Todd Cochrane starts by welcoming listeners to the show. He mentions that Rob Greenlee is absent due to personal business but will return next week. Todd expresses his gratitude to both live listeners and those tuning in later.

Todd discusses ongoing developments within the podcasting space, particularly surrounding Podcasting 2.0, which aims to expand image specifications for podcasters. He explains the recent Apple announcement regarding new image specs for podcast art, emphasizing the need for diversification across apps and websites, as not all have the exact requirements. Todd points out that the traditional 1400×1400 pixel image format is insufficient for some platforms, suggesting that podcasters should provide specific image sizes for different apps to improve the user experience.

He provides an example of how developers and creators could include tags in their RSS feeds that specify the purpose and specific sizes for images, citing the example of a banner image that Overcast might require. Todd believes that offering a variety of image sizes will enhance the experience for listeners and facilitate better representation across different platforms.

Todd also notes the potential benefits of creating episode art using artificial intelligence (AI) and discusses how services like Blubrry are already employing this technology to assist podcasters in generating artwork. He views the expansion of image standards as an opportunity for improving user engagement and the overall quality of the podcast experience.

Additionally, Todd shares other industry news, such as podcasting overtaking radio in Germany and significant changes in leadership at Acast. He addresses the competitive landscape of on-demand streaming, expressing curiosity about how Spotify’s video podcasting initiatives could impact monetization models, as concerns regarding CPMs and revenue sharing arise.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd mentions new advancements from services like Auphonic for audio processing, highlights the growth in listener demographics, and reflects on the ongoing evolution in the podcasting landscape. He concludes by encouraging his audience to engage with the show through support and boosts, thanking contributors for their involvement while looking forward to Rob’s return in the following episode.

Thank you to Podnews for the source of most of the news.

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In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenleee, the discussion begins with light banter as Todd welcomes Rob and mentions inclement weather affecting his internet connection. Todd shares his recent experience optimizing his streaming setup. He discusses recent improvements in Blubrry’s AI image generation capabilities as seen in today’s show art.

The hosts then dive into the episode’s main topic: “YouTube Doubles Down on Podcasts.” Rob introduces the idea that YouTube is changing the podcast landscape, with a focus on comments made by YouTube CEO Neil Mohan, who emphasized that viewers want to watch content rather than just listen to it. Todd notes audience feedback indicating that not all viewers agree, suggesting a divergence in listener preferences.

Rob elaborates on an upcoming feature that will enable YouTube to automatically generate translated audio tracks for different languages, thereby broadening content accessibility. The discussion explores the implications of this feature for content creators and the listener’s experience.

Next, Todd expresses his irritation with Spotify’s new transcript feature, highlighting how it excludes transcripts from creators not on Spotify. Both hosts are critical of Spotify’s lack of support for all transcripts and share their frustrations over platform limitations within the podcasting industry.

They discuss the podcasting scene in Brazil as it relates to Radio, noting its slow adoption rate compared to the U.S. Todd ponders how many U.S. radio stations incorporate podcast content and how that compares internationally, particularly with Australia and the BBC.

The conversation shifts to SiriusXM’s podcasting initiatives, highlighting the difference between direct ownership and licensing agreements with content creators and the challenges in current podcasting partnerships. Todd expresses curiosity about SiriusXM’s actual podcast ownership numbers and the dynamics at play.

Rob and Todd then delve into recent news from a podcast growth firm suggesting that relying solely on download counts can be misleading. They debate the meaning of download versus consumption metrics and question the accuracy of alternative analytical dashboards proposed by the firm.

Toward the end of the episode, Todd recalls the bad experience he had with domain ownership disputes, mentioning his former ownership of CNNpodcast dot com and its current state. They also briefly discuss the failed Apollo Fiction podcast app and the challenges that genre-specific podcast apps face in a crowded market.

In the closing segment, Todd highlights the slow uptake of new episodes by platforms like Apple Podcasts, compared to faster services like Pocket Casts, emphasizing listener frustrations when episodes are not published promptly.

Finally, Rob shares his contact information for listeners to reach out, while Todd expresses concern and support for listeners in Israel amidst current unrest, and wraps up the episode, noting his upcoming solo show due to Rob’s absence in the following week. They thank the audience for subscribing and encourage feedback.

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In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting, with a focus on the interplay between audio and video content, especially addressing the question of whether YouTube is dominating the podcasting space.

The episode opens with Todd welcoming Rob back from a trip to Seattle. They briefly mention that there were applications for Rob’s job while he was away.

They delve into the theme of the episode, highlighting the mixed perceptions around video and audio content in podcasting. Todd refers to an article by Paul Riismandel, stating that it presents a balanced view on how YouTube does not overshadow audio podcasting, which he insists remains strong. Rob echoes this, noting that amidst the hype surrounding video, audio podcasting remains a significant player and has its own audience.

The discussion touches on Apple Podcasts and new features they announced at WWDC, which they feel did not fully address the needs of podcasters. Rob adds that there is a need to understand audience expectations and how new creators are feeling overwhelmed by the emphasis on video, even as they believe in the enduring value of audio content.

As they explore the challenges faced by new creators, Todd acknowledges that many feel disenfranchised and are unsure about integrating video into their workflows. They discuss the complexities of personal branding and the challenges of building an audience in an environment that seems to favor larger shows over smaller ones.

Todd emphasizes that creators should focus on building their audio content and finding their voice without being distracted by the demands of video. He believes that great content is vital to growth, even though many creators are concerned about their ability to monetize early on. Rob highlights that the primary focus for most podcasters remains growth at this stage, rather than monetization.

They also examine the troubling trend of new podcasters seeking to transition to video for quick success, which complicates their journeys in podcasting. Discussion returns to the significant contributions that existing audio creators are making while struggling with the pressures of social media and audience engagement.

Todd and Rob emphasize the importance of hard work in growing a podcast, as the landscape has not become simpler over the years. They discuss how AI tools can help streamline specific processes, but these solutions also come with their challenges.

Towards the end of the episode, they touch on the Podcast Hall of Fame and its plans, including the inclusion of international nominations. Rob shares thoughts about increasing nominations and expanding the voting base for the Hall of Fame, emphasizing transparency in the nomination process.

In conclusion, both hosts reaffirm the enduring viability of audio podcasting and encourage new creators to start with audio first, advising them to build their unique brand and content strategy. The episode wraps up as they share their social media handles and express enthusiasm for the next show, marking the end of a lively discussion on the current state and future of podcasting.

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In this episode titled “Podcasting’s Future: Are We Losing Sight of Creators?” Todd Cochrane hosts the New Media Show solo, as Rob is not present. Todd acknowledges Rob’s potential transition away from the show and reflects on their long history together in podcasting, indicating a willingness for change.

Todd discusses the current landscape of podcasting, particularly regarding the future direction of the medium amidst rising discussions about video and AI. He raises concerns that the industry might be neglecting crucial issues that affect both new and experienced creators. The episode explores topics such as the safeguarding of open RSS standards, the realities of innovation in the industry, and the importance of ensuring that the needs of podcasters, particularly content creators, are being met.

As the episode progresses, Todd engages in technical discussions about HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and shares insights from recent conversations surrounding the Pod Standards Project and its possible implications for podcasting’s open ecosystem. He emphasizes that the industry must advocate for audio creators and strike a balance between innovations and preserving the openness that defines podcasting.

Through a series of listener comments, Todd addresses feedback on the show’s format, including discussions about the balance between audio and video content, as well as the perceived push for video content. He argues that audio remains a powerful medium and expresses a commitment to supporting podcasters’ independence and open RSS standards.

The episode concludes with Todd inviting listeners to provide feedback on the show and consider what creators truly need in this evolving landscape. He expresses a goal to continue advocating for podcasters and assures the audience that he will strive to maintain a focus on supporting creators, not just monetization. Todd concludes by encouraging audience engagement, stating that he will return for the next episode, regardless of the changes ahead.

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In the episode titled “New Media Show – Is this the End,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the state of the podcasting industry, particularly in light of recent changes and trends. Todd opens the conversation with a metaphor about everything being “on fire” in the podcasting space, emphasizing a sense of urgency and concern surrounding the future of audio content creation.

Rob acknowledges the anxiety in the medium and points out that change often leads to such feelings. Todd shares insights from his recent experience at the podcast show in London, where he noted a significant presence from Apple and discussions about the industry’s growth trajectory. He expresses that while concerns exist, audio podcasting still has a large audience and continues to grow globally despite the hype surrounding video content.

The hosts discuss the perceptions that new creators feel pressured to produce video content, sharing anecdotal evidence that many are hesitant to embrace video due to privacy concerns or a lack of resources. Todd mentions that while video production can be costly, audio remains an accessible entry point for many creators.

A significant theme of their conversation is the potential danger to the podcasting landscape if newer creators are discouraged from starting due to the overwhelming emphasis on video content. Todd stresses the importance of recognizing that audio podcasting is not going away and advocates for more support and encouragement for those who wish to start with audio.

Rob adds to the discussion by stating that as podcasting becomes more professionalized, a greater number of creators gravitate towards larger shows, potentially sidelining independent podcasters. He agrees that nurturing new creators is essential for the longevity of the medium.

Throughout the episode, both hosts reflect on the challenges the industry faces, including marketing hurdles for new creators and the slow pace of innovation from podcast platforms. They voice their concerns about the lack of new entrants into the space, which could lead to a narrowing of content variety and a decline in overall podcast engagement.

As the conversation progresses, Todd and Rob acknowledge the media’s tendency to focus on negative narratives, suggesting there is a need for cheerleaders for audio podcasting to highlight its ongoing relevance and value. They lament the lack of trust in podcasting metrics and express frustration over how the podcasting space may be perceived as declining or “dying,” when, in reality, audio podcasting still has viability.

In the latter part of the episode, they contemplate the future of the New Media Show itself, weighing whether it should continue, pivot, or evolve given the changing landscape. They invite audience feedback to determine the show’s direction and emphasize the critical importance of ensuring that new creators feel empowered to enter the space without being deterred by the increasing focus on video.

The discussion wraps up with reflections on AI’s impact on media and the evolving dynamics of content creation, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the integrity of audio podcasting while remaining open to innovation and change within the medium. The episode concludes with a call for audience engagement to share thoughts on the future of the show and podcasting at large.

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In this episode, “The Shift from Word-of-Mouth to Social Media in Podcasting,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the evolving landscape of podcast discovery, particularly how social media is becoming a primary driver rather than traditional word-of-mouth.

The episode opens with Todd and Rob greeting listeners and mentioning the upcoming return to their regular afternoon schedule. Todd shares that he was unwell the previous week and talks about recent electromagnetic storms potentially affecting health, leading to discussions about how these events might influence sleep.

Rob introduces the main topic, referencing research suggesting that podcast discovery is increasingly driven by social media rather than word-of-mouth. He emphasizes the importance of people discussing podcasts online, which he argues aligns closely with traditional word-of-mouth. They also reflect on YouTube’s classification as a social media platform, debating whether podcasts could similarly be considered a form of social media. Todd expresses skepticism about social media being an effective means of discovering new podcasts. He cites his limited exposure to unknown content through platforms like Facebook and his preference for actively searching for specific podcasts rather than relying on algorithms.

The conversation shifts to the role of apps like TikTok and Instagram in modern podcast discovery, highlighting how podcasters utilize these platforms to reach broader audiences. Todd mentions his experiences with YouTube content, where he is served predictable recommendations based on his viewing habits, but he finds it challenging to discover podcast content through the platform.

As they discuss YouTube’s effectiveness in surfacing content and the sometimes overwhelming nature of predictive algorithms, both hosts share their viewing preferences and frustrations with fast-paced content. Todd indicates that he watches survival and van life-oriented content on YouTube rather than traditional interview-based podcasts. Rob counters that more visually stimulating shows do attract larger audiences.

They delve into broader issues concerning copyright challenges in content creation, particularly with images and videos in online content. Todd expresses concern over getting copyright strikes for even minor infractions, while Rob shares his experiences using videos in his productions without facing similar repercussions.

Bringing the conversation back to social media, they agree that it offers new paths for engaging audiences. Rob points out that tech advancements and AI tools have significantly impacted how podcasters create and distribute content, citing their increasing reliance on audio clips for promotion.

In conclusion, Todd and Rob summarize the key points discussed, including the implications of the trends they’ve identified regarding podcast discovery, social media’s evolving role, and the dynamics of content consumption across platforms. They also highlight the importance of community support among podcasters and the potential for creative collaboration to navigate the industry’s challenges. The episode wraps up with a plan to return to their normal schedule next week, followed by Todd promoting his upcoming “Mythbuster” YouTube series focused on debunking common podcasting myths.

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In this episode titled “The Growing Ad Revenue in Podcasting,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various insights related to the podcast industry’s current state, including recent earnings reports and trends in advertising revenue.

The episode begins with a casual greeting between Todd and Rob, where Todd shares that he is sleeping late due to late meetings. Rob then brings up an upcoming podcast event in Madrid that Todd has been invited to, which piques their interest.

They shift the conversation to recent news that the podcast industry has surpassed the two billion dollar mark in ad revenue, with Rob clarifying that the figure is for 2024 and reflects previous years’ performance. They discuss how podcast advertising revenue compares with other forms of online advertising, noting that podcasting remains a small segment of the overall ad revenue pie.

Todd expresses skepticism regarding the presented figures, citing concerns that only a small percentage of shows receive ad revenue. He notes that many new creators are coming in with clear strategies rather than as hobbyists. Rob agrees and suggests that the podcasting space is trending toward professionalism.

Rob mentions a well-known podcaster, Stephen Bartlett, who turned down a significant offer due to concerns over increased ad loads. Both hosts reflect on the challenges of balancing monetization with audience experience.

They explore the complexity of current advertising dynamics, including host-read versus automated ads, and discuss the fluctuating ad loads across different platforms. Todd highlights that much of the industry’s growth may stem from digital video intersecting with podcasting.

The conversation then turns to the importance of data analysis in understanding podcast metrics, including drops in audience and engagement. Todd shares insights on how creators can leverage existing data to improve their shows.

Rob and Todd also delve into the fast-evolving landscape of video podcasts, mentioning the challenges creators face when transitioning to video content, including time and resource constraints. They discuss how companies like Netflix explore video podcasting but recognize that not all shows fit this model, emphasizing that creators should focus on what works best for their content.

The episode concludes with Todd and Rob reflecting on their podcasting journey, their experiences with equipment and production, and the technical aspects involved in creating high-quality audio and video content. They wrap up by thanking their listeners and encouraging engagement with their show’s resources.

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