In this podcast episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a conversation revolving around several critical topics in the podcast industry.

Starting, Todd addresses his return to show’s return. They transition into discussing the significance of Spotify’s open RSS feeds and the potential challenges with the platform’s RSS feed structure. Rob observes that Spotify has made 2,258 episodes available, which might be problematic for platforms like Apple Podcasts that may not display that many. Todd notes possible slow load times for such a lengthy feed.

They then address technical aspects and speculate why Spotify chose its in-house podcasting solution for Joe Rogan’s podcast over using the enterprise platform Megaphone. Todd theorizes that Rogan’s video component is why Spotify for Podcasters was selected.

There’s a conversation about Spotify cutting features like in-app recording and editing, with Todd suggesting it may reduce the platform’s appeal. The hosts discuss brand safety models and how keyword-based algorithms can lead complex news stories, such as The New York Times reporting on the Middle East conflict, to face demonetization.

The podcast moves on to political advertising in podcasts, with Spotify looking for more inventory due to a predicted increase in political ad spending. Todd and Rob debate the appropriateness of different political ads appearing next to each other and touch upon the concept of a ‘parallel economy’ where brands align with similar ideological media.

They acknowledge the importance of local elections and encourage people to become informed about local candidates. A brief discussion ensues about how monetization in podcasting is affected by brand safety and the acceptability of ads, especially for shows like Adam Corolla’s, which have always maintained a direct and uncensored nature.

The conversation shifts to industry studies, including Edison Research’s findings that radio still accounts for more than three times the daily audio time compared to podcasts. Todd and Rob conclude this segment by reflecting on the increasing integration of podcasts into car audio systems and how this could continue to alter the media consumption landscape.

Rob mentions the Podcast Hall of Fame presentation at the Podfest event, detailing the induction process and the significance of preserving the history and culture of podcasting. They discuss the need for more funding and sponsorships to support these initiatives while acknowledging that Doctor Drew was a fitting, albeit expensive, MC for such an event.

Todd introduces the new website, podcasting2.org, which aims to make the podcast namespace features more accessible and understandable. They explore the site, examining the interlinked support across different podcasting apps and hosting providers.

Lastly, Todd and Rob share how the Podcast Index aims to preserve podcasting as an open platform before wrapping up the show with Valentine’s Day greetings and plans for next week’s episode.

Throughout the discussion, both hosts lend their expertise on each topic and provide insights into the broader podcasting ecosystem and its future direction.

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New Media Productions
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In this episode, host Rob Greenlee is joined by guest Mark Asquith. The duo discusses various forward-looking aspects of podcasting, notably the future of revenue generation beyond traditional advertising.

The episode starts with Rob referencing co-host Todd Cochran’s absence and letting listeners know that Todd is out of the country and expected back for the next episode. Rob then introduces Mark Asquith, highlighting his role with Captivate and recent attempts to push the envelope in the podcasting industry.

Mark and Rob discuss the significance of the Joe Rogan/Spotify deal and what that implies for podcast exclusivity, content distribution, and alignment with content creators’ interests. They delve into Spotify’s strategy shift and ponder its implications for the industry. Mark suggests that Spotify’s reevaluation of exclusivity deals indicates a broader trend toward open podcasting. They examine Spotify’s role as a first-party platform and how it impacts advertisers and audience data compared to platforms like Apple Podcasts.

The conversation steers towards the evolving nature of the industry, and Rob brings up how podcasting was historically a substantial part of the video content landscape. They touch on the potential resurgence of video in podcasting, discussing the integration of video and different content forms and the potential generational shift in content creation and consumption habits.

Rob and Mark explore the impact of technological advancements on podcasting, such as the potential role of AI and blockchain in enhancing the creator-listener relationship. They consider how innovations like the value-for-value model, which involves Satoshis and Bitcoin, could change the way podcasters monetize their content, emphasizing the need to make technology accessible and understandable.

The episode concludes with Rob and Mark hypothesizing about the longevity and possible evolution of advertising as a revenue model in podcasting. Rob suggests that the injection of technology and new models like value for value could potentially phase out conventional advertising over time. Mark points to creators’ and consumers’ increasing demand for tangibility and benefits from podcast platforms.

The episode wraps up with Mark teasing Rob about new content he is working on and inviting him to participate. It is mentioned that more news will be coming around Podcast Movement Evolutions in March. Mark encourages listeners to stay tuned for further announcements and developments in his content offerings.

Listeners are directed to captivate.fm to follow Captivate and Mark’s work. They also discuss the convenience of their collaboration platforms and future plans for creating content that resonates with and benefits the podcasting community.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Join Rob Greenlee and Tom Webster from Sounds Profitable in a riveting Live New Media Show episode as they delve into the evolving podcast landscape, where video podcast consumers merge with traditional audio enthusiasts.

They discuss the undeniable trend: most top podcasts are accessible on YouTube, illustrating the seamless blend of audio and video formats. Despite skepticism, this “Convergence Strategy” proves potent, highlighting Rob’s journey with StreamYard and the broader implications for content creators. The episode also touches on Podfest, the Podcasting Hall of Fame, and insights from Dr. Drew on the industry’s future.

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New Media Productions
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Todd Cochrane, founder of Blubrry Podcasting; Rob Greenlee from Spoken Life Media; Roberto Blake, CEO of Create Awesome Media; and Gautam Raj Anand, CEO and founder of Hubhopper.com The live episode from Podfest revolves around the evolution and future of podcasting, with a focus on the intersection of podcasting with YouTube and other digital platforms. … Continue reading Podfest 2024 Live #575 →

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Rob and Todd discuss in detail some of the behind the scenes for the Podcast Hall of Fame, Todd’s report on CES 2024 and some of the products he says and of course, our upcoming attendance of Podfest in Orlando

• • Hall of Fame Live Stream– Friday, January 26th @ 7 pm est
  • Hall of Fame Live Attendance Tickets!
  • New Media Show @ Podfest – Thursday, Jan 25th 3:30-5:00 pm est (Inside Expo Hall)

Summary:

In this podcast episode, Todd and Rob start with a light-hearted conversation, with Todd returning to the studio after attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). They discuss Todd’s experiences at CES, highlighting his observations of various innovative products and technologies. Todd shares details about health tech, AI integrations, and unique gadgets like a back-facing camera for personal safety, and other AI-driven and soundproofing technologies.

They then shift the conversation to the Podcast Hall of Fame, focusing on the upcoming induction ceremony. They delve into the selection process for inductees, discussing the importance of balancing recognition between well-known podcasters and significant behind-the-scenes podcast industry contributors. They address the challenges in organizing the Hall of Fame, including excluding politics in the selection process, handling the backlog of nominees, and ensuring inclusivity and representation of the entire podcasting community.

The financial aspects of the event are also discussed, including ticket sales and the need to build support and momentum for the Hall of Fame. Todd and Rob encourage listeners to support the event, highlighting its significance in honoring contributors to the podcasting field.

Towards the end of the podcast, they plan their live session at the upcoming Podfest Expo, guests, and the show’s format. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of the Podcast Hall of Fame in recognizing the diverse range of contributions to the podcasting industry and encouraging listeners to support the event.

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New Media Productions
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On the New Media Show we delve into the exciting details of the 2024 Podcast Hall of Fame Inductees. This episode is not just an announcement; it’s an immersive preview of the podcasting world’s most awaited event that will be held live In-Person Induction Ceremony on Jan 26, 2024 @ 7 pm EST / 4 pm PST Live Streamed: YouTube.com/@libsyn With host: Dr. Drew .

The Hall of Fame ceremony is being held at Podfest Expo.

Special Guest on today’s show Dave Jackson,  Podcast Hall of Famer Doug Kaye, A new 2024 inductee renowned for pioneering work with the Conversations Network Exclusive insights into the 2024 Podcast Hall of Fame inductees Behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming induction ceremony Engaging in conversations with podcasting’s most influential figures Join us for this episode filled with revelations, discussions, and celebrations of podcasting excellence.

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Todd and Rob discuss the various aspects of the podcasting industry, and its future trajectory is explored. The discussion begins with Todd and Rob addressing the current state and potential future of podcasting, emphasizing challenges such as the absurd proposition of abandoning RSS and the risk of exploitation by large corporations. They stress the importance of creating superior content and adopting a realistic approach to podcasting.

Further delving into the industry’s challenges, they consider content distribution, target audience, and the intricacies of starting an online show. They advise focusing on individual show goals and celebrating milestones, regardless of audience size. The discussion extends to investment trends in content creation and the cultural shift towards careers as influencers among younger generations.

The “podcast industrial complex” concept is introduced, highlighting its focus on advertising revenue and the need for a balanced approach to providing tools and services. Todd and Rob also discuss the recent decrease in podcast episodes, attributing it to seasonal variations, and speculate on the impact of New Year’s resolutions on podcast creation.

The conversation shifts to the need for standardizing podcast metrics, debating the advantages and challenges of such standardization. Financial implications of industry changes, such as renewal processes and guideline development, are also discussed. They emphasize the importance of fraud prevention and the need for investment in this area.

The shift in industry terminology from “downloads” to “plays” and the evolution of advertising in the digital space are explored. They discuss the challenges of standardizing and measuring advertising effectiveness, stressing the need for trusted third-party involvement and highlighting the difficulties in measuring audience engagement.

In conclusion, they plan to update their session announcement. Todd is creating a private group for podcast discussions and inviting audience feedback.

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New Media Productions
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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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