So, has YouTube and others tainted the word Podcasting so bad now that people will automatically assume a podcast is just some Video YouTube channel?  The battle of educating all podcasters on the value of open RSS must begin!

A predominant theme was the challenges and avenues of podcast monetization. We touched on advertising models, the potential for subscriptions, and the nuances of audience donations. We highlighted the increasing prevalence of dynamic ad insertion in the industry and delved into the intricacies of programmatic ad buying. We discussed the emerging role of brand safety and content moderation tools.

The conversation often veered into discussions about major platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Speculation arose about Joe Rogan’s future exclusivity with Spotify, hinting at the broader dynamics of platform exclusivity deals.

Todd shared his endeavors in search engine optimization with his latest experiments. We expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI in cloning voices. Overviewed the changing habits of younger audiences in media consumption and wondered if the term “podcasting” might eventually transcend its current RSS distribution model. The importance of open platforms and the continued relevance of RSS for ensuring creative freedom were stressed by Todd.

A notable mention was the potential use of AI tools like ChatGPT in assisting in show production. Todd shared his experience of enhancing his show notes using AI, highlighting the practical applications of such technology in the podcasting space.

The decline of mainstream media, especially among younger demographics, was discussed alongside the rise of online video platforms. The hosts explored the unique bond podcasts create, fostering a sense of relationship and community among listeners.

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New Media Productions
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Rob and Todd discuss the nothing burger of the YouTube RSS support and the non-viability of YouTube for podcasters, considering its primary emphasis on video content. The pair critically evaluated the hurdles surrounding podcast support. Monetization on YouTube was another hot topic. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages, concluding that only a handful of larger shows might benefit substantially. They stressed the need to educate podcasters on the nuances of the monetization process and voiced concerns about potential content strikes.

Discussions ranged from Rob’s interactions with YouTube representatives to Todd’s critique of Google’s history with RSS. They lamented missed opportunities, As the conversation evolved, the focus shifted to podcasting’s transformation and potential revenue streams.

The recent industry shifts, including the layoffs at Libsyn, were touched upon, offering a glimpse into the changing landscape of podcasting.

Social media’s ever-growing influence on content creation was another focal point. Todd and Rob explored the role of platforms in audience growth and content discovery. They debated the merits of platform-exclusive content, the importance of building a robust subscriber base, and the future of content monetization on social platforms. We delved into the realities of content creation and monetization across various platforms. We tackled industry pressures and competition and emphasized the importance of commitment in the podcasting world.

AI’s role in image and text creation was also examined. WordPress was spotlighted as both a boon to most and a challenge for others. Their shared experiences with the platform underscored its potential and the hurdles it presents.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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YouTube Platform Challenges Discussed

Todd and Rob discussed the challenges and concerns of recommending YouTube to podcasters. Todd highlighted issues with the platform’s validation process, advertising policy, and monetization threshold. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the platform monetizing content and adding extra work for podcasters to manage each episode. They also discussed converting MP3 files into video files on YouTube and potentially losing metrics by replacing previously published episodes. Todd’s concerns about YouTube’s video-centric approach and Google’s past decisions regarding RSS were also discussed. Lastly, they discussed their concerns about Google’s decision to discontinue the Google Podcasts app, with Todd advising podcast creators to find alternative apps.

PHD In Podcasting?

Todd and Rob discussed an exciting new initiative – offering a ‘PhD in Podcasting’ to listeners who donate $1,000 to their show. They jokingly considered the logistics, including the design of the certificate and how to avoid counterfeiting. They also suggested that some listeners might be eligible for an honorary PhD. However, they acknowledged that no exams or qualifications would be required beyond the donation. The audience met the idea with amusement and intrigue, attracting many potential applicants.

Some AI Updates

The discussion covered the advancing technology of AI tools like Chat, Gpt, and Bard and how they can be used for conversations and image analysis. Rob shared his experience using these tools to analyze a podcast’s artwork. Todd mentioned testing the Zoom AI feature, which generates a summary of meetings and speculated about its potential for obsoleting third-party services. They discussed the importance of integrating AI into podcast hosting services and predicted that failure to do so would lead to the extinction of such companies within three years. They also reflected on the history and evolution of podcasting, including Leo Laporte’s past skepticism towards the medium. The conversation also involved regaining the rights to Todd’s book and updating it due to massive changes in the podcasting industry.

Podcasting Platform Progress

Rob and Todd discussed the potential for video podcasting to grow and their increased interest in this format. Todd emphasized the importance of feedback and communication between podcasters and hosting platforms and mentioned that they were working on improvements based on user suggestions. They also discussed the challenges of user interface (UI) design, acknowledging the need for consistency across different publishing methods. Todd and Rob discussed the advantages and disadvantages of other publishing platforms, noting that their platform offered more flexibility than WordPress. They concluded the discussion by reflecting on the need to occasionally overhaul a system rather than maintaining outdated versions. They also discussed the value-for-value feature in their interface and the current state of the podcasting industry.

Wrap Up

Rob and Todd discuss launching a new live show on the Streamyard channels in partnership with 4 Stream Yard. The show will focus on podcasts, content, and video and podcasting topics.  Todd shares his experience with roadcasters duo and the challenges of setting them up properly, mentioning that they are complicated devices requiring much testing. Adam Curry offers to send Todd configuration files.

Show summary created by Zoom AI

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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Todd and Rob take a look at the statistics of show and episode production over the past 12 months. Based on pretty much all data the podcasting space still looks to be in a recession in new shows being created are still down, and episode production is slightly lower than 2022 to date. See the full summary below.

• They discussed AI tools like ChatGPT and how Todd has been experimenting with using it to generate show notes and summarize podcast transcripts. He found you need to be very explicit in prompts to get good results.
• They discussed the trend of podcast networks being required to use AI brand safety tools by advertisers and ad platforms. This puts pressure on creators to understand these tools.
• Other topics included Bloomberg adding bonus content for Apple Podcast subscribers; the Death, Sex and Money podcast from WNYC.
• The hosts experimented with asking ChatGPT to generate images based on prompts, with mixed results. They discussed how AI like ChatGPT, still has limitations.
• Todd emphasized creators should become experts in AI to remain competitive and understand how to use tools like ChatGPT effectively. He predicts AI will bring big changes in 3 years.
• They noted human stories and voices will still be valued alongside AI tools. The hosts plan to continue exploring AI impacts on new media.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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Podcast One’s Stock continues to go down. The question is how low can the stock go and if, at some point, there is a buying opportunity yet full of risk. But it’s a lousy omen of how far it’s dropped so far.

Show Summary: Todd talks about hosting the podcast awards ceremony on Saturday. They discuss computers and equipment needed for podcasting and video editing. Rob discusses upgrading his PC and workspace to improve his video editing capabilities. Todd advocates for Mac Minis as great bang-for-buck desktop computers.

Rob brings up predictions he saw that unknown, innovative podcasters doing great work under the radar will emerge. Todd agrees and says many of the shows nominated for the podcast awards were unknown to him but clearly successful.

They discuss recent podcast industry news, including:

• Canada regulating streaming podcasts making over $10 million?
• YouTube Music adding auto-download for podcasts
• More platforms adding AI features like Descript
• A new Shure SM7B microphone with built-in preamp
• PodcastOne stock price plummeting

They debate layoffs and high staff numbers at public radio stations like WNYC. They conclude by soliciting ideas for a new podcast theme and cover art. Todd shows examples of AI-generated images he’s used for past episodes.

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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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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
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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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Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee bring you the New Media Show live from Podcast Movement 2023 with guests James Cridland of Podnews and Anne Kavanagh, the new CEO of Ossa. We spent just over an hour talking about the podcasting space—everything from Acquisitions, AI, RSS and the battle between open and closed platforms. We discuss how the area will change over the next couple of years.

The show summary is as follows:

• The recent acquisition of Squadcast by Descript – indicates consolidation in the podcast industry with tools merging. Also shows the convergence of audio and video in podcasting.
• Importance of video in podcasting – varying opinions on whether it is essential. Video can help attract audiences from one platform to another.
• YouTube’s upcoming entry into podcasting – will accept RSS feeds in the YouTube Music app. It could help podcasters get content on YouTube without needing video.
• The tension between large platforms like Spotify and the open RSS ecosystem. Podcasters should consider audience privacy when choosing services.
• Open Podcast Standards project – seeking to extend the capabilities of RSS to benefit podcasters and listeners and trying to get large platforms to adopt new namespaces.
• Pod fading – around 50% of new podcasters stop by episode 7. Hard to keep consistency and passion. It’s a good time now for new shows as competition drops.
• Monetizing shows – in many ways, like ads, V4V listener patronage, and driving business. You don’t need a huge audience.
• International growth – Markets like Europe and Middle East will see more growth—different expectations outside the US.
• AI and podcasting – more consolidation of AI tools into platforms is expected. It can help with tasks, not content. Unique human voices will still be valued.

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