How can pay transparency change the podcast industry for the better?

In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Erin McGregor, Program Manager at the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), about the newly released 2025 AIR Rate Guide and why setting industry standards matters for freelancers and hiring managers alike. Erin shares insights on building sustainable careers, the role of mentorship, and how community is often the most valuable investment independent audio professionals can make.

As she puts it:

“The year I stopped taking work below my bottom line, I broke six figures as an independent.”

Here are some insightful moments from the episode:

• How AIR’s 2025 Rate Guide was built and why it’s a critical industry tool
• The link to AIR's 2025 Rate Guide: https://airmedia.org/tools/2025-rate-guide
• The most common reasons freelancers undercharge for their work
• How community and peer networks can shape professional growth
• The role of advocacy in protecting independent creators
• Why mentorship can accelerate your career in audio
• The future of audience engagement and live podcast events

Erin McGregor is the Program Manager at AIR, where she oversees SoundPath, AIR’s training platform for the audio industry, and leads initiatives in pay transparency, mentorship, and professional development. A former freelancer and self-taught audio producer, Erin brings deep experience in community building and creator advocacy.

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

Learn more at AIR Media and SoundPath

Episode Chapters

01:13 – About the Rate Guide | Why pay transparency matters

06:04 – Common Underpayment Traps | Why freelancers earn less than the standard

09:29 – AIR’s Role | Advocacy, opportunities, and resources

12:33 – The Water Cooler Effect | Building safe spaces for freelancers

16:48 – Erin’s Career Journey | From freelancer to AIR leadership

23:36 – Thinking Like a Business | Setting a bottom line

25:43 – Underused Resources | How AIR supports independents

26:59 – Mentorship Marketplace | Getting guidance when you need it

31:02 – What’s Next | Audience engagement and live events

Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...“Freelancers need to think like a business.”“All interns should get paid—no exceptions.”“Community is often the number one thing people renew their membership for.”“Pay transparency benefits everyone on all sides of the industry.”“Mentorship can accelerate your career by years.”

PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting. Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: Where’s the money in podcasting?

Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.

Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com

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