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• There are more ads in podcasts than ever, says Magellan AI, which released its Quarterly Benchmark Report for Q4/2024. Average advertiser ad load increased over 20% year-on-year (but is still significantly less than broadcast radio, we’d add). The data shows a y-on-y ad-spend increase of 19%; and a 10% q-on-q increase in the number of brands advertising on podcasts.
• AIR released its 2025 Rate Guide, with updated benchmark freelance rates for producers, sound designers, story editors, fact-checkers, and researchers in the US audio industry.
• Adam Curry’s new project Godcaster has been launched. The tool allows Christian podcasts hosted anywhere to benefit from live streaming, funding tools and other Podcasting 2.0 features.

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