Todd and Rob, discuss various topics related to podcasting and technology. They start by discussing the New Media Show site going to a new platform and the importance of the updates. The discussion moves to certain podcasters shifting towards selling impressions rather than downloads in podcasting, with Heather Osgood’s podcasts mentioned. They express skepticism about this change, citing concerns over impressions’ value and impact on the podcast industry.

Todd and Rob also discuss the iOS 17 update affecting podcast download counts, especially for shows with over 300 episodes. They delve into the complexities of podcast metrics and the importance of understanding audience behavior.

Additionally, they touch upon other topics like the Corporate Transparency Act requiring corporations and LLCs to disclose ownership information, the use of social media for personal information sharing, the impact of the economy on people’s spending habits, and the trend of electric vehicles. They also briefly mention the decline in podcast episodes published during the holiday season and the significance of this trend.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Todd and Rob discussed recent research showing that podcast listeners consume audio and video podcasts, often following the same shows in both formats. They debated whether podcasting is shifting towards more video, with Todd arguing that video is still a tiny percentage of podcasting.

The conversation shifts to broader topics in the podcasting space. They touch upon recent research by Tom Webster, which suggests a unified audience for audio and video podcasts. This leads to a detailed exchange about the consumption habits of podcast audiences, the practicalities and challenges of producing video content, and the importance of catering to audio and video audiences.

They debate the merits of audio versus video podcasting, with Todd emphasizing the need for podcasters to have realistic expectations about the impact and reach of video content. Rob counters by highlighting the evolving listener preferences and the potential for video to attract a different audience segment.

There’s a discussion about the technical aspects of integrating video into podcasts, such as using HLS streaming and the complexities of embedding video content. They also discuss changes in video hosting platforms like Vimeo and the strategic considerations for podcasters choosing between different media formats.

The conversation has an underlying theme of balancing innovation and practicality in podcast production. They agree that while video offers new opportunities, it also requires a distinct approach and strategy, different from traditional audio podcasting.

Other topics included:

• Todd is moving his websites to new infrastructure to upgrade technology and lower costs
• Recent examples of podcasts being removed from Spotify highlight the risks of being on closed platforms
• Promoting modern podcast apps that support new formats like video and allow listeners to keep shows via value-for-value
• A music artist using podcasting and value-for-value to earn more from her music
• The need to educate podcasters and listeners about these new opportunities beyond big platforms like YouTube

The overarching debate was whether video and new formats are the future of podcasting or a niche pursued by very few shows. They agreed content creators should understand the differences in audio vs. video audiences and strategies.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Classic New Media show where we take some time and explain in detail and demystify some explosive comments making the rounds. Todd also criticizes a YouTube hack coming out of the Podcasting 2.0 initiative. ”

Quick recap:
Todd and Rob discussed their challenges with their new media show, including technical difficulties and the need for improved audio quality, the transparency of podcast statistics, and the importance of audience demographics. Additionally, they touched upon the desire by some to shift from downloading media to streaming and the potential impact of advertising revenue on their businesses.

Summary
New Media Show Launch With Technical Challenges
Todd and Rob started their new media show, facing some initial technical difficulties with the audio processing. Todd mentioned that they had made adjustments to ensure the audio quality would be good. They also discussed a previous incident where one channel was down during recording, which Todd had resolved.

Rob and Todd discussed the challenges of the recording process for podcasters, and outdated technology. However, they acknowledged technological advancements, like the affordability of better recording tools. Rob mentioned their collaboration with companies like Nemato, hinting at potential solutions, while Todd pointed out that adopting NDI technology could simplify the process despite the cost of necessary equipment.

They also discussed using HDMI and USB as standard interfaces for online creators, with Todd expressing interest in more straightforward setup options if they were to start again.

Podcasting and YouTube Integration Debate
Todd expressed concerns about the need for an internet connection and that not all airlines allow video streaming. Rob shared their experience of watching videos on airplanes. The conversation concluded without a clear decision on whether to proceed with the integration. They also discussed the potential of podcasting 2.0 and video, with Todd expressing their concern over third parties implementing a YouTube hack.

Podcast Statistics Transparency and Standardization
Todd and Rob discussed the transparency of podcast statistics, focusing on using OP-3. Todd expressed concerns over the discrepancies in numbers between the two platforms, while Rob emphasized the importance of transparency. They discussed the importance of having a standard for podcast statistics. They agreed that any fluctuations in the numbers are likely due to factors such as bot activity and distribution platforms. They concluded that allowing podcasters to turn off public stats is essential. They also discussed Blubrry’s media kit, which provides creators with a private link to share with media buyers, updating every 24 hours.

Podcasting Metrics and Certification Discussion
They also touched upon the current dissatisfaction with the IAB, which is expensive. Todd admitted that the IAB will never be replaced by OP3, but suggested that the OP-3 could serve as a prefix for those ok with showing off their stats. They also discussed the potential shift from downloading media to streaming, affecting media delivery. Todd mentioned that despite the high cost of maintaining an IAB certification, only a tiny portion of their user base, approximately 3 to 4%, cares about the certification. They ended the discussion by discussing the Pod News Daily Show’s viewership numbers.

New Products, and Advertising Revenue
They also considered transitioning to a value4value model, which would require significant effort but could be supported by their audience. Todd and Rob discussed the potential issues with using Starlink for streaming shows and the bad idea of integrating YouTube videos into podcasting apps. They also talked about the impact of advertising revenue on their businesses and mentioned upcoming changes related to programmatic and transcripts in early 2023. They stressed that despite the current economic situation and layoffs in the podcasting space, the medium is not dying.

Media, Advertising, and Podcast Challenges
Rob and Todd discussed the struggles of media companies under current economic conditions. The conversation shifted to measuring podcast advertising, with Todd discussing a simple formula to estimate the size of a podcast audience over time. They stressed the importance of consistent data over three months to determine the audience size.

Podcasting Transparency and Advertiser Relations
Todd and Rob discussed the challenges content creators face in the podcasting industry. They highlighted the issue of transparency in the relationship between advertisers and podcasters, with advertisers often failing to provide performance metrics. Todd and Rob also reflected on past experiences in other media industries and their challenges in delivering better performance at a lower cost.

They concluded that advertisers are taking advantage of the podcasting medium without contributing to its transparency. They also discussed the limitations of the current advertising-based model, emphasizing the need for content creators to provide value to retain listeners. They highlighted the power imbalances between content creators and platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, with Todd arguing that these platforms prioritize control over content and viewer engagement over creator compensation.

Rob and Todd explored the evolving trends in advertising and podcasting. They noted the increasing sensitivity of audiences to ad loads, leading to more ads in shows or complete buyouts. They agreed on the need for an alternative to the advertising model and identified a potential alternative in the value-for-value model. Todd shared their satisfaction with their current programmatic advertising and highlighted the challenges and potential of the value-for-value model, emphasizing the need for podcasters to provide value to their audience. The conversation ended prematurely due to time constraints.
Voice Cloning and Podcast App Discussion

Todd and Rob discuss a voice cloning platform that sounds very close to Todd’s voice.

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

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With the number of companies laying people off and major networks reporting 7 figure losses everything may not be as well as it seems in the podcasting space. Todd and Rob engage in a lively and wide-ranging discussion about various aspects of the podcasting industry. The conversation discusses industry trends, starting with recent layoffs at Spotify. Rob suggests that the podcasting industry is undergoing a “reset,” similar to what happened around 2008-2009. They delve into the implications of these layoffs, discussing how it leads to a redistribution of talent across the industry, potentially leading to new opportunities.

Todd and Rob also discuss the financial aspects of podcasting platforms, emphasizing the challenge of sustaining a free service model. They specifically mention Spotify’s financial struggles and the potential repercussions for podcasters hosted on the platform. Rob highlights the importance of audio quality in podcast production.

The conversation moves to broader industry changes, including the shift away from guaranteed deals with talent, the importance of content quality over celebrity deals, and the evolving nature of podcast advertising. They mention the significance of the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) standards for podcast metrics and how adherence to these standards impacts the industry.

Rob and Todd also touch upon the role of AI in podcasting, predicting its increasing influence in the future, particularly in enhancing audio quality and simplifying production processes. They acknowledge the potential of AI in automating certain aspects of production, but also recognize the unique challenges and nuances in audio processing that might limit its application.

Overall, the podcast episode offers valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the podcasting industry, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for podcasters and platforms alike.

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

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James Cridland and Sam Sethi join the New Media show, engaging in a discussion about the evolving landscape of podcasting, particularly focusing on the integration of new technologies and standards such as Podcasting 2.0. They highlight the importance of adapting to advancements like alternate enclosure tags and live streaming capabilities within podcast feeds. These developments are seen as pivotal in enhancing the podcast experience by offering listeners the choice between audio and video formats and enabling live interactions through micropayments and back-channel conversations.

The conversation also touches upon podcast hosting platforms’ role and readiness to embrace these changes. They discuss the potential for platforms like StreamYard to automate live streaming integration into podcast feeds, thereby simplifying the process for podcasters. This integration could revolutionize delivering and consuming content, making podcasts more interactive and accessible.

Additionally, the dialogue shifts towards the broader context of podcasting’s growth and its relationship with radio broadcasting. Insights are shared on the gradual yet significant growth of podcast listenership, the changing habits of younger audiences, and the slow response of traditional radio to these shifts. The podcasting industry is seen as a significant and growing media segment, with its revenue contributions becoming increasingly notable for large broadcasting companies.

The podcast ultimately underscores the dynamic nature of the podcasting industry, emphasizing the need for adaptability, innovation, and the willingness to embrace new technologies to stay relevant and engaging in the ever-evolving media landscape.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Todd and Rob, the mainstream, are already listening to podcasts! Yes, this is correct, but a portion of them have never heard a podcast, and we break it down with Tom Webster from Sounds Profitable to discuss how we get the remaining non-listeners to tune into a podcast. The conversation is pretty deep. Plus, Todd breaks the silence on a podcast you must listen to.

Oh, don’t create a podcast like this guy did!

Show Summary:

The podcast began with a critical look at the industry’s approach to growth and monetization, with Tom Webster emphasizing the need for a collective effort to bring in more advertisers and listeners. The conversation pivoted to the role of industry organizations and the potential need for a centralized body to coalesce various industry efforts, a sentiment echoed by Rob. There was a strong focus on the idea that more money in the industry would bring more opportunities, leading to growth and organization.

Todd discussed the everyday concerns of content creators, mainly how to attract more listeners. They explored strategies to increase podcasting awareness and encourage podcast listening, touching on the importance of engaging content and the challenges of existing promotional methods.

Tom highlighted that podcasting isn’t yet a $2 billion industry and stressed the need for more money to flow into the space. They examined the responsibilities of trade organizations and the potential benefits of an open approach to sharing industry resources.

Tom also touched on the need for the industry to take bigger risks in show development, moving away from the easy button of giving celebrities shows when they might not be suited for podcasting. He talked about the importance of podcasters understanding their audience and creating content that listeners genuinely desire.

The hosts discussed the potential of AI in podcast discovery, the importance of podcasters listening to other podcasts, especially within their genre, and the need for podcasters to clearly articulate the value proposition of their shows to their audience.

The dialogue ended with a call to podcasters to be sharper in promoting their shows and to equip their audience with language to recommend their podcasts effectively. This led to reflections on the importance of word-of-mouth for podcast discovery and growth.

The speaker’s commentary about word of mouth highlighted its critical role in podcast discovery. It was noted that word of mouth remains the primary way people discover new podcasts. Consequently, the ability to recommend a podcast—its ‘recommendability’—is vital. For a podcast to be recommendable, it must be of such quality that listeners will not regret passing it along to someone else; it must be compelling enough to stand up to the endorsement.

The conversation also addressed the personal aspect of recommendation. Since podcast listeners understand their friend’s and family’s interests, they are in a prime position to recommend podcasts that resonate with them. For instance, during a Thanksgiving dinner, if a topic arises that a podcast addresses effectively, a recommendation at that moment could be impactful. This underscores the importance of equipping listeners with the correct language and tools to recommend podcasts effectively and naturally in conversations.

Todd discussed The Marketing AI Show as an example of a recommended show as an exemplary case of a recommendable program. It was presented as an essential listen for anyone involved in business—not just those in podcasting or hosting. The show covers how AI will affect the marketing sector, addressing the tools and advancements professionals should be aware of, including some political aspects, suggesting that the content is comprehensive and touches on various relevant topics.

Todd admitted to initially keeping the podcast to themselves, humorously underscoring its value. The underlying message was that if you aim to remain competitive and informed in the business world, especially with the rapid advancements in AI, listening to the Marketing AI show is almost necessary.

The discussion suggests that the podcasting community could grow much faster by harnessing this word-of-mouth effect, emphasizing the need for content creators to craft their shows with this in mind.

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

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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
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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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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