Exploring the Convergence of Video and Audio in New Media #586

This episode of the New Media Show, hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, delves into various aspects of new media, particularly the integration and impact of video with traditional podcasting audio media.

The conversation opens with Todd Cochrane welcoming listeners to the show and introducing his co-host, Rob Greenlee. They further discussed their involvement in recent media industry events, with Rob Greenlee recounting his experience at the Las Vegas National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) event. He mentions various aspects, like the Creators Lab and facilitating discussions about editing trends and AI integration in media production.

Todd Cochrane shifts the discussion towards technology advancements presented at NAB, prompting Rob to illustrate the shift towards genuine content production in video media, as content creator Mr. Beast suggested. They comment on changes in production styles and audience engagement strategies.

Later, Todd expresses his skepticism regarding podcasters transitioning to video, emphasizing the challenge of achieving success in this medium compared to audio podcasting. However, Rob suggests that the current trend demands a video-first strategy and that not embracing it might be risking growth opportunities. Nonetheless, they agree on the importance of being strategic about including video.

The hosts then touch upon the business aspects of content creation, with Todd sharing a conversation with a podcast producer concerned about the high costs of producing a branded podcast. This leads to a broader discussion about the economics of podcasting, brand deals, and platforms imposing restrictive conditions on content, and eventually transitions to talk about the importance of open RSS feeds and protecting free speech in podcasting.

Rob later introduces a new topic detailing the growth of platforms offering premium memberships for content creators, using ‘UScreen’ as an example. Todd is critical of the service’s pricing model and the cost implications for creators who monetize their content.

Wrapping up, Todd and Rob delve into the controversial topic of brand safety and suitability in the media and the potential negative implications such measures could entail for content creators. They debate issues like self-censorship, freedom of expression, and the impact of algorithmic content moderation. They briefly explore the differences between the agency and platform levels of content control and foreshadow an in-depth future discussion on this subject matter with industry experts on brand safety.

The show concludes after a two-hour conversation, encompassing many themes around the new media landscape, video and audio content convergence, the future of content monetization, and the enduring significance of protecting free and open platforms for podcast creators and consumers.

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