Podnews Daily - podcast industry news

A comedy podcast festival is expanding into the US and returning to London and Melbourne, promising 15 days of lively global shows. Excitement builds for the new event in New York City, with tickets now available. Meanwhile, WNYC reveals its financial struggles, cutting leadership bonuses and workforce. Announcements about podcast advertising earnings are made, alongside the launch of a deep research assistant by Parla, designed to navigate every active podcast globally. The podcast scene continues to evolve in fascinating ways!

Advertisers are increasingly enthusiastic about podcast ads, indicating a growing market. A recent study suggests brands should allocate 5% of their budget to podcasting. The rise of open video podcasting is also on the horizon, with Podpage introducing new support features. Additionally, PodWoman, a key event for women in podcasting, is returning to Madrid for its first in-person gathering, aiming to foster connections and inspire creators in the industry.

France's podcasting community is pushing for official government recognition, emphasizing the need for cultural support to maintain its diversity. The recent AGM suggests that recognition is crucial for the industry’s future. Meanwhile, a new company, Mission Media AI, aims to innovate content distribution, helmed by industry veterans. Additionally, CoHost enhances its features to streamline tracking links for shows, making it easier for podcasters to connect with audiences across platforms.

Audacy is shutting down Pineapple Street Studios, resulting in layoffs and highlighting ongoing consolidation in the industry. The closure follows Audacy's previous acquisitions and struggles, including its bankruptcy emergence. Meanwhile, Apple Podcasts celebrates twenty years by honoring twenty influential podcasts that showcase the creativity and connection vital to the medium. The landscape also sees innovations like Podcast One's crypto podcast network and insights into podcast growth in New Zealand, addressing the industry's evolving challenges and opportunities.

Spotify is enticing video creators with a $5,000 ad credit to boost their presence on the platform. This move highlights significant shifts in podcast revenue models and Gen Z's strong engagement with audio content. The podcast also marks important milestones in the industry, including the 20th anniversary of podcasts on iTunes and the launch of fresh shows. Meanwhile, staff layoffs at Wisconsin Public Radio signal ongoing challenges within the sector. Exciting times lie ahead as top rankings reveal industry trends.

Podcasting is officially surpassing radio among young adults in Germany, with a notable increase in female listeners. Monthly podcast consumption among women has tripled since 2019. The importance of podcast critique is emphasized, offering valuable insights for industry improvement. Fast-growing audiences in Health & Fitness and Self-Improvement are on the rise, making them prime targets for advertisers. Additionally, recent innovations in podcasting, including AI partnerships and streaming service collaborations, are shaping the future of the medium.

Apple Podcasts has introduced new artwork requirements for shows seeking promotion, emphasizing the need for Showcase Hero art. The 2025 Podcast Marketing Trends Report reveals mixed listenership changes, with business and interview formats thriving. Interestingly, the median podcast length has increased, now averaging over 36 minutes. The AudioUK audio production awards are back, celebrating excellence in the industry. Tune in for insights on these developments and trends shaping the podcasting landscape!

Acast welcomes Greg Glenday as its new CEO, marking a pivotal leadership change after Ross Adams' departure. The podcast industry is buzzing with insights on Spotify's mixed results in video podcasting, as creators report earning significantly more revenue on the platform compared to YouTube. Meanwhile, curiosity surrounds Spotify's controversial content issues, including explicit audio. Plus, trends in AI translations and impressive monthly profits from creators on Patreon highlight the changing financial landscape for podcasters.

The podcast dives into the shocking environmental impact of Spotify's video integration, equating potential carbon emissions to 374,000 flights between Paris and New York. It highlights how video consumption results in over 50 times more emissions per hour than audio. Recent industry developments include Pocket Casts introducing transcripts and the UK podcast Politics Joe moving its video content behind a Patreon paywall. This shift reflects changing monetization strategies and a response to the risks of relying solely on platforms like YouTube.

Podcasting is officially mainstream in Australia, with 52% of the population tuning in monthly, just behind the US and UK. A significant portion of Australians prefer listening while driving, outpacing music streaming. Meanwhile, a study reveals that 82% of news podcast listeners believe they grasp issues better through this medium, with a remarkable 59% willing to pay for news podcasts. Additionally, concerns arise as Apple Podcasts struggles to ingest transcripts for new shows.