Once again, Google cannot get its podcast strategy straight and will pull the plug on Google Podcast sometime next year after achieving mild success and leaving the door open for Apple to create a viable Podcast App for Android.  Those screwed over will be the millions of Android users now having to find a podcast app. Plenty of great ones at PodcastApps.com, and of course, there is a list of Apps that work with SubscribeOnAndroid.com 

Show Summary:

• There is skepticism about whether YouTube Music will properly support podcasts since YouTube is built around video. It is unclear if they will ingest MP3 feeds or convert everything to Video.
• Apple does not currently have a podcast app for Android. With the demise of Google Podcasts on Android, Todd & Rob are concerned about podcasters losing listeners and the ability for Android users to subscribe easily.
• There was discussion around podcast statistics and ad analytics. Some in the industry feel there is fraud occurring with inflated download numbers. However, independent measurement can help validate numbers. Prompted by Todd, who got a mysterious email from an unknown group questioning certain podcast companies’ business practices around ads and payouts. They did not reveal details.
• The hosts talked about the importance of podcasters having control of their content and feeds. They should drive listeners back to their own websites.
• The hosts re-iterated that podcasting continues to be about creating authentic content and voices, even as AI tech evolve

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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Todd and Rob talk about our favorite topic, RSS, in podcasting and go over the latest Podcast News, and somehow, the show ends up being one of the most snarky episodes we have created in some time. Sorry, some of these latest news reports are beyond obvious, and I hope no one is paying good money to learn some of the things we talk about today.

We kick off joking about Rob hosting solo last week and Todd returning from a break. The conversation then turns to key takeaways from the recent Podcast Movement conference, including Blubrry picking up substantial new network business leads.

Transitioning to podcasting news, they critique a recent Nielsen report on podcast listening growth. The discussion moves to advertising trends, with Todd sharing that multiple companies privately confessed business was flat over the last quarter, contrasting the publicly optimistic outlook.

Additional topics include platforms like Spotify overpaying for episodes, competing for exclusivity, and trying to expand into podcasting with minimal growth, diminishing podcast publishing numbers, companies struggling to meet payments owed to podcasters, and more M&A activity shaking up the industry.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob take an honest, straightforward perspective, business challenges, and changes in the podcasting landscape. They emphasize the importance of maintaining control and the value of open RSS standards.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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The New Media Show recently had an insightful discussion between host Rob Greenlee and guest Deirdre Tshien, CEO of AI-powered podcast post-production platform CapShow, about the future of artificial intelligence in podcasting and important issues like free speech and content moderation. They also discuss Podcast Movement and the insights of the show.

Key highlights from their wide-ranging conversation:

• Podcast Movement brings together a community of podcasters for an annual reunion and bonding experience. Longtime attendees enjoy catching up with friends while new faces join each year as the industry evolves.
• The enthusiasm and welcoming nature of the podcasting community were noted by many first-time Podcast Movement attendees this year. Podcasting retains a spirit of collaboration despite growing commercialization.
• However, Deirdre didn’t see anything that truly blew her mind or seemed highly innovative. In just the past year since CapShow launched, AI capabilities have already advanced significantly and become more commonplace.
• This year, Podcast Movement added “brain dates” – small group discussions on specialized topics that fostered meaningful networking. Both Deirdre and Rob participated in brain dates.
• The intersection of podcasting and live video was discussed, as platforms like StreamYard sponsor and attend Podcast Movement. Some friction exists around whether video belongs in podcasting.
• Overall, Podcast Movement continues to be a vital community-building event for the podcast industry. It offers opportunities for creators at all levels to learn, connect, and glimpse the latest innovations.
• AI is having a huge impact on the podcasting industry. New AI tools are emerging for automated editing, content recommendations, and even generating synthetic voices. But we must thoughtfully balance leveraging AI while preserving the “humanness” that builds audience connections.

• There are generational differences in how podcasting is perceived – while older generations see it as audio-only content distributed via RSS, younger generations view it more broadly as on-demand audio/video content from multiple platforms. This is driving rapid growth but also some friction in the industry.
• The crowds and community at events like Podcast Movement make them special reunions and bonding experiences for podcasters. But there is also an influx of new faces as the industry evolves.
• Concerns were raised about the implications of AI like deepfakes and synthetic media. We may need disclaimers about AI-generated content to maintain trust. But there was also excitement about the possibilities like automating podcast creation.
• An in-depth discussion on free speech and content moderation spurred by new legislation worldwide raised questions about protecting speech versus preventing harm. The role of journalism and the dangers of suppressing dissenting voices were highlighted.
• The future promises continued waves of innovation in podcasting workflows and AI assistance. But hosts should thoughtfully consider their creative integrity as more powerful automation capabilities emerge.

This thought-provoking episode touched on multiple essential trends shaping the podcasting medium while offering insights from both creator and tech company perspectives. There are undoubtedly exciting opportunities ahead, but we must mitigate risks as podcasting continues maturing.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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