In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various aspects of independent podcasting, referencing the financial success of the Joe Budden Network, which reportedly makes over a million dollars a month on Patreon plus an equal amount in advertising revenue. Todd expresses his views on what constitutes an independent podcast, questioning whether contracts with platforms like Spotify affect that classification. Rob adds that the definition of independence in podcasting is convoluted, as many shows labeled as independent still utilize a team for production.

The conversation highlights that Joe Budden once had a contract with Spotify but is now considered independent, having left due to insufficient financial support. Todd believes that many independent podcasters can sustain themselves financially through strategic planning and high-quality content, even with a small team.

Furthermore, they discuss monetization strategies, including flexible donation models on platforms such as Patreon & Paypal. Rob shares that he views independent podcasts as those that control their content rights and haven’t given them over to a larger platform. Both hosts agree on the changing landscape, where even well-known podcasters can still consider themselves independent despite having support teams.

As the dialogue progresses, they discuss NPR’s funding cuts and the implications of these changes on independent content creation, highlighting the evolution of podcasting since its inception around twenty years ago. They reflect on how their audience demographics have evolved alongside them, with the younger audience now more prevalent than when they first started.

The latter part of the episode transitions into a discussion about industry events, with a particular focus on the upcoming Podcast Movement conference. Todd shares insights on the scale and focus of the event, noting a shift towards more corporate sponsors and fewer independent participants. They highlight the need for unified metrics in podcasting to simplify advertising buy decisions, citing confusion among ad buyers.

As the conversation draws to a close, Todd and Rob cover the emerging trend of AI-generated voiceovers for ads, discussing potential ethical concerns and implications for audience trust in advertisements. They ultimately invite listeners to share their thoughts and feedback regarding the show and the topics discussed.

The episode concludes with both hosts sharing their contact information and encouraging audience engagement, highlighting the continued evolution and challenges within the podcasting landscape.

The post Independent Podcasts Build Massive Annual Revenue appeared first on New Media Show.

In this episode titled “Adam Curry Returns and Spotify’s Seven Million Shows,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee welcome listeners to the new media show. Rob expresses his excitement about discussing various topics, particularly noting the significant milestone of seven million podcasts, mainly attributed to Spotify (wink)(wink).

As they delve into the numbers, Todd and Rob comment on how many new podcast creators fail to enable RSS feeds at Spotify, which limits their reach to platforms like Apple Podcasts. Todd notes that Spotify’s exclusive setup has led to many underwhelming shows, which the Podcast Index has responded to by halting the listing of new shows due to a high failure rate.

Rob points out the false perception of success that arises from inflated numbers while highlighting the challenges new creators face in achieving real engagement. Todd emphasizes that many shows are simply tests with little commitment behind them. They discuss the implications of free trials offered by hosting services, revealing frustrations with the influx of low-quality or “scammer” shows that clutter platforms.

The conversation shifts to the current climate in podcasting, where the number of new shows has decreased compared to previous years. Rob mentions that while many creators are searching for side hustles, they often have unrealistic expectations regarding making money through podcasting, which requires more effort than they anticipate.

Todd discusses the confusion many users have regarding the relationship between hosting platforms and listening services, citing that many believe Blueberry is a listening platform, which it is not. They also address Spotify’s reluctance to help creators connect with Apple Podcasts. Todd shares his experiences with users who mistakenly reach out to Blueberry for help with Spotify-related issues.

As they continue, Todd reveals internal data suggesting that many podcasts are inactive or have “dead” RSS feeds, while illustrating Apple’s unknown criteria for keeping their catalog updated compared to other platforms. Todd speaks about a rare rejection moment from Apple regarding a show based on audio quality, which Todd describes as surprising.

The episode then takes a turn towards upcoming events in the podcasting space, with mentions of Adam Curry’s participation in Podcast Movement. Todd sadly recalls past sessions that have drawn sparse attendance, emphasizing the need for promotion to attract audiences to such events.

They briefly discuss YouTube’s efforts to crack down on low-quality content generated by AI, contrasting it with the podcasting landscape, and share concerns about the rising dominance of AI in content creation. Todd shares his methods for utilizing AI tools to assist in content preparation, while maintaining that human oversight is crucial.

Towards the conclusion, the hosts touch upon trends in audience creation and how individuals are increasingly perceiving themselves as creators amid a deluge of content. They also address current scams and phishing attempts, urging listeners to be vigilant in protecting their online presence and assets.

Finally, Todd expresses his excitement about the potential new fiber internet service coming to his area, and they share amusing anecdotes about scams encountered online. Rob mentions a recent scam involving fake podcast opportunities, urging caution in distinguishing legitimate offers from fraudulent ones. The episode wraps up with both hosts thanking their audience, sharing their social media handles, and teasing future topics before signing off.

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In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, the discussion centers on various topics in the podcasting space, with a particular focus on the emerging interest in video podcasting publishing formats.

The episode starts with Todd welcoming listeners and mentioning that Rob has joined him for the episode. They begin by discussing the ongoing evolution in podcasting and how the interest in video podcasts via open RSS feeds is growing. Rob notes that such interest might seem new, but has been simmering for some time.

Todd brings up a behind-the-scenes conversation from a Slack channel regarding HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and how it is being discussed among industry peers. He mentions his conversations with Apple during a recent podcast event in London, reflecting on how he may have been one of the few advocating for the issues at hand.

As they continue, they touch on the technical challenges surrounding hosting video podcasts, particularly the costs associated with bandwidth and the potential impact of monetization if platforms like Apple start caching video content. Rob expresses that the architecture for programmatic advertising in video podcasts is there but hasn’t been fully implemented.

The hosts reflect on whether they’ve received feedback from their audience regarding the video quality of past shows and review the general appetite for audio versus video content in the industry. They discuss how audience feedback on video quality has been minimal over the years.

Todd shares a recent observation about video podcasts, highlighting the importance of streaming technology versus traditional MP4 formats and emphasizing the need for seamless switching between audio and video. They both agree on the necessity of making video content discoverable, particularly by platforms like Apple.

The conversation shifts towards advertising trends in the podcasting industry. Todd notes concerns over a softening podcast advertising market and declining CPMs, while Rob suggests that this might influence future advertising strategies. They mention how engagement could be affected by shifts from audio to video formats and the importance of retaining a user-friendly experience in the podcasting landscape.

Todd shares insights from PodTrak regarding a decline in podcast rankings and engagement, indicating that advertisers must reevaluate their strategies in light of shifting audience behaviors. The hosts consider how competition from platforms like Spotify and YouTube may drive innovation in video podcasting and how the industry might adapt accordingly.

In discussing the aesthetics of podcasting setups, Todd mentions watching bourbon review channels on YouTube and how they reflect a shift towards more authentic settings. They deliberate on the evolving visual appeal in podcasting, suggesting that traditional studio setups may be on the decline in favor of more natural environments.

Returning to technical and content-related issues, they both express concern about the implications of AI-generated content in the podcasting space, debating the ethics and how misinformation could be flagged in audio content. Todd proposes a need for a system to delineate levels of AI involvement in content creation.

As the episode wraps up, Todd and Rob invite listeners to engage with them by sharing feedback on topics or insights they might wish to discuss about the podcasting industry, emphasizing their openness to candid discussions on advertising trends.

Both hosts conclude by encouraging their audience to subscribe to the podcast, highlighting its availability on various platforms and emphasizing the ongoing relevance of audio and video content creation within podcasting. They sign off, looking forward to reconnecting in the next episode.

The post Additional Video Podcast Format via RSS appeared first on New Media Show.

In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various developments in the podcasting industry, including the surge of live festivals, the opening of awards voting, and Apple’s 20th anniversary of supporting podcasts.

The episode begins with Todd and Rob checking in with each other, with Todd sharing updates about his studio and the issues he’s experiencing with his podcasting gear. They quickly dive into topics set for discussion, mentioning the podcast awards and podcast festivals. Todd highlights the recent discussions surrounding Apple Podcasts and its 20-year support, reflecting on the nostalgia and excitement, but also expressing a desire for Apple to promote shows that have been around for that long.

Rob agrees, pointing out that newer audiences may not be interested in the legacy shows. They also discuss the growth of live podcasting events, referencing past successes and the potential for more live events, especially in major cities like New York.

As they delve deeper, they express concern about the future of podcast conferences in the U.S. Todd mentions a decline in interest in these events, contrasting it with the vibrant atmosphere at previous gatherings. They reflect on their past experiences at successful live events, speculating that the popularity of podcasting could lead to a resurgence in live, fan-focused events.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming Podcast Movement conference in Dallas, where both hosts will be attending. Todd voices concerns about attendance and the changing nature of these events, suggesting a strategic shift where they will focus more on promoting their new product.

The hosts then discuss the upcoming People’s Choice Podcast Awards, noting slightly lower registration numbers this year but emphasizing the significance of being included on the slate. They encourage podcasters to register and participate, comparing the awards to the increasing number of different award ceremonies emerging in the industry.

The latter part of the episode centers on the debate about video podcasting versus audio. There is a discussion about the merits and challenges of video podcasts, including resource demands, audience engagement, and technical aspects like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming). They touch on HLS technology and the current reluctance of various hosting platforms to adopt it, noting that while video has advantages, audio still holds significant value.

Finally, they conclude with a brief note about Audacy partnering with iHeartRadio to expand its podcast reach, before reiterating the mixed feelings surrounding the current state of the podcasting industry and the need to attract new creators. They emphasize the importance of delivering viable audio content, especially for new podcasters, encouraging a continued focus on growth and sustainability within the medium.

The hosts close the episode, thanking their audience and mentioning their respective contact information, inviting listeners to engage with them further.

The post Podcasting Pulse: Live Festivals Surge, Awards Voting Opens & Apple Turns 20 appeared first on New Media Show.

In the podcast episode titled “Expanding Podcast Image Standards for a Better Cross-App Experience,” host Todd Cochrane starts by welcoming listeners to the show. He mentions that Rob Greenlee is absent due to personal business but will return next week. Todd expresses his gratitude to both live listeners and those tuning in later.

Todd discusses ongoing developments within the podcasting space, particularly surrounding Podcasting 2.0, which aims to expand image specifications for podcasters. He explains the recent Apple announcement regarding new image specs for podcast art, emphasizing the need for diversification across apps and websites, as not all have the exact requirements. Todd points out that the traditional 1400×1400 pixel image format is insufficient for some platforms, suggesting that podcasters should provide specific image sizes for different apps to improve the user experience.

He provides an example of how developers and creators could include tags in their RSS feeds that specify the purpose and specific sizes for images, citing the example of a banner image that Overcast might require. Todd believes that offering a variety of image sizes will enhance the experience for listeners and facilitate better representation across different platforms.

Todd also notes the potential benefits of creating episode art using artificial intelligence (AI) and discusses how services like Blubrry are already employing this technology to assist podcasters in generating artwork. He views the expansion of image standards as an opportunity for improving user engagement and the overall quality of the podcast experience.

Additionally, Todd shares other industry news, such as podcasting overtaking radio in Germany and significant changes in leadership at Acast. He addresses the competitive landscape of on-demand streaming, expressing curiosity about how Spotify’s video podcasting initiatives could impact monetization models, as concerns regarding CPMs and revenue sharing arise.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd mentions new advancements from services like Auphonic for audio processing, highlights the growth in listener demographics, and reflects on the ongoing evolution in the podcasting landscape. He concludes by encouraging his audience to engage with the show through support and boosts, thanking contributors for their involvement while looking forward to Rob’s return in the following episode.

Thank you to Podnews for the source of most of the news.

The post Expanding Podcast Image Standards for a Better Cross-App Experience appeared first on New Media Show.

In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenleee, the discussion begins with light banter as Todd welcomes Rob and mentions inclement weather affecting his internet connection. Todd shares his recent experience optimizing his streaming setup. He discusses recent improvements in Blubrry’s AI image generation capabilities as seen in today’s show art.

The hosts then dive into the episode’s main topic: “YouTube Doubles Down on Podcasts.” Rob introduces the idea that YouTube is changing the podcast landscape, with a focus on comments made by YouTube CEO Neil Mohan, who emphasized that viewers want to watch content rather than just listen to it. Todd notes audience feedback indicating that not all viewers agree, suggesting a divergence in listener preferences.

Rob elaborates on an upcoming feature that will enable YouTube to automatically generate translated audio tracks for different languages, thereby broadening content accessibility. The discussion explores the implications of this feature for content creators and the listener’s experience.

Next, Todd expresses his irritation with Spotify’s new transcript feature, highlighting how it excludes transcripts from creators not on Spotify. Both hosts are critical of Spotify’s lack of support for all transcripts and share their frustrations over platform limitations within the podcasting industry.

They discuss the podcasting scene in Brazil as it relates to Radio, noting its slow adoption rate compared to the U.S. Todd ponders how many U.S. radio stations incorporate podcast content and how that compares internationally, particularly with Australia and the BBC.

The conversation shifts to SiriusXM’s podcasting initiatives, highlighting the difference between direct ownership and licensing agreements with content creators and the challenges in current podcasting partnerships. Todd expresses curiosity about SiriusXM’s actual podcast ownership numbers and the dynamics at play.

Rob and Todd then delve into recent news from a podcast growth firm suggesting that relying solely on download counts can be misleading. They debate the meaning of download versus consumption metrics and question the accuracy of alternative analytical dashboards proposed by the firm.

Toward the end of the episode, Todd recalls the bad experience he had with domain ownership disputes, mentioning his former ownership of CNNpodcast dot com and its current state. They also briefly discuss the failed Apollo Fiction podcast app and the challenges that genre-specific podcast apps face in a crowded market.

In the closing segment, Todd highlights the slow uptake of new episodes by platforms like Apple Podcasts, compared to faster services like Pocket Casts, emphasizing listener frustrations when episodes are not published promptly.

Finally, Rob shares his contact information for listeners to reach out, while Todd expresses concern and support for listeners in Israel amidst current unrest, and wraps up the episode, noting his upcoming solo show due to Rob’s absence in the following week. They thank the audience for subscribing and encourage feedback.

The post YouTube Doubles Down on Podcasts appeared first on New Media Show.

In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting, with a focus on the interplay between audio and video content, especially addressing the question of whether YouTube is dominating the podcasting space.

The episode opens with Todd welcoming Rob back from a trip to Seattle. They briefly mention that there were applications for Rob’s job while he was away.

They delve into the theme of the episode, highlighting the mixed perceptions around video and audio content in podcasting. Todd refers to an article by Paul Riismandel, stating that it presents a balanced view on how YouTube does not overshadow audio podcasting, which he insists remains strong. Rob echoes this, noting that amidst the hype surrounding video, audio podcasting remains a significant player and has its own audience.

The discussion touches on Apple Podcasts and new features they announced at WWDC, which they feel did not fully address the needs of podcasters. Rob adds that there is a need to understand audience expectations and how new creators are feeling overwhelmed by the emphasis on video, even as they believe in the enduring value of audio content.

As they explore the challenges faced by new creators, Todd acknowledges that many feel disenfranchised and are unsure about integrating video into their workflows. They discuss the complexities of personal branding and the challenges of building an audience in an environment that seems to favor larger shows over smaller ones.

Todd emphasizes that creators should focus on building their audio content and finding their voice without being distracted by the demands of video. He believes that great content is vital to growth, even though many creators are concerned about their ability to monetize early on. Rob highlights that the primary focus for most podcasters remains growth at this stage, rather than monetization.

They also examine the troubling trend of new podcasters seeking to transition to video for quick success, which complicates their journeys in podcasting. Discussion returns to the significant contributions that existing audio creators are making while struggling with the pressures of social media and audience engagement.

Todd and Rob emphasize the importance of hard work in growing a podcast, as the landscape has not become simpler over the years. They discuss how AI tools can help streamline specific processes, but these solutions also come with their challenges.

Towards the end of the episode, they touch on the Podcast Hall of Fame and its plans, including the inclusion of international nominations. Rob shares thoughts about increasing nominations and expanding the voting base for the Hall of Fame, emphasizing transparency in the nomination process.

In conclusion, both hosts reaffirm the enduring viability of audio podcasting and encourage new creators to start with audio first, advising them to build their unique brand and content strategy. The episode wraps up as they share their social media handles and express enthusiasm for the next show, marking the end of a lively discussion on the current state and future of podcasting.

The post YouTube isn’t Podcasting King appeared first on New Media Show.

In this episode titled “Podcasting’s Future: Are We Losing Sight of Creators?” Todd Cochrane hosts the New Media Show solo, as Rob is not present. Todd acknowledges Rob’s potential transition away from the show and reflects on their long history together in podcasting, indicating a willingness for change.

Todd discusses the current landscape of podcasting, particularly regarding the future direction of the medium amidst rising discussions about video and AI. He raises concerns that the industry might be neglecting crucial issues that affect both new and experienced creators. The episode explores topics such as the safeguarding of open RSS standards, the realities of innovation in the industry, and the importance of ensuring that the needs of podcasters, particularly content creators, are being met.

As the episode progresses, Todd engages in technical discussions about HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and shares insights from recent conversations surrounding the Pod Standards Project and its possible implications for podcasting’s open ecosystem. He emphasizes that the industry must advocate for audio creators and strike a balance between innovations and preserving the openness that defines podcasting.

Through a series of listener comments, Todd addresses feedback on the show’s format, including discussions about the balance between audio and video content, as well as the perceived push for video content. He argues that audio remains a powerful medium and expresses a commitment to supporting podcasters’ independence and open RSS standards.

The episode concludes with Todd inviting listeners to provide feedback on the show and consider what creators truly need in this evolving landscape. He expresses a goal to continue advocating for podcasters and assures the audience that he will strive to maintain a focus on supporting creators, not just monetization. Todd concludes by encouraging audience engagement, stating that he will return for the next episode, regardless of the changes ahead.

The post Podcasting’s Future: Are We Losing Sight of Creators? appeared first on New Media Show.

In the episode titled “New Media Show – Is this the End,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the state of the podcasting industry, particularly in light of recent changes and trends. Todd opens the conversation with a metaphor about everything being “on fire” in the podcasting space, emphasizing a sense of urgency and concern surrounding the future of audio content creation.

Rob acknowledges the anxiety in the medium and points out that change often leads to such feelings. Todd shares insights from his recent experience at the podcast show in London, where he noted a significant presence from Apple and discussions about the industry’s growth trajectory. He expresses that while concerns exist, audio podcasting still has a large audience and continues to grow globally despite the hype surrounding video content.

The hosts discuss the perceptions that new creators feel pressured to produce video content, sharing anecdotal evidence that many are hesitant to embrace video due to privacy concerns or a lack of resources. Todd mentions that while video production can be costly, audio remains an accessible entry point for many creators.

A significant theme of their conversation is the potential danger to the podcasting landscape if newer creators are discouraged from starting due to the overwhelming emphasis on video content. Todd stresses the importance of recognizing that audio podcasting is not going away and advocates for more support and encouragement for those who wish to start with audio.

Rob adds to the discussion by stating that as podcasting becomes more professionalized, a greater number of creators gravitate towards larger shows, potentially sidelining independent podcasters. He agrees that nurturing new creators is essential for the longevity of the medium.

Throughout the episode, both hosts reflect on the challenges the industry faces, including marketing hurdles for new creators and the slow pace of innovation from podcast platforms. They voice their concerns about the lack of new entrants into the space, which could lead to a narrowing of content variety and a decline in overall podcast engagement.

As the conversation progresses, Todd and Rob acknowledge the media’s tendency to focus on negative narratives, suggesting there is a need for cheerleaders for audio podcasting to highlight its ongoing relevance and value. They lament the lack of trust in podcasting metrics and express frustration over how the podcasting space may be perceived as declining or “dying,” when, in reality, audio podcasting still has viability.

In the latter part of the episode, they contemplate the future of the New Media Show itself, weighing whether it should continue, pivot, or evolve given the changing landscape. They invite audience feedback to determine the show’s direction and emphasize the critical importance of ensuring that new creators feel empowered to enter the space without being deterred by the increasing focus on video.

The discussion wraps up with reflections on AI’s impact on media and the evolving dynamics of content creation, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the integrity of audio podcasting while remaining open to innovation and change within the medium. The episode concludes with a call for audience engagement to share thoughts on the future of the show and podcasting at large.

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In this episode titled “Is the Podcasting Industry Really Worth 7.4 Billion?”, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss their experiences with the upcoming Podcast Show 2025 in London, Todd’s travel plans, and his preparations for the event. Todd describes his recent return home and the updates he had to undertake in the studio after being away for over two months. They talk about the high costs of staying in London, with Todd noting that the hotel prices are extraordinary at $400 per night.

The conversation shifts to their concerns about the profile of attendees at the event, expressing worries that it may resemble past events like Podcast Movement, which saw a predominance of industry professionals rather than actual podcasters. Todd mentions that many profiles in the app for the event belong to producers and industry executives rather than content creators, which he finds concerning.

They also discuss the low number of American podcasters attending given recent sentiments around travel and concerns about interactions between nationalities.

As they explore the state of the podcasting industry, Rob shares findings from Hernan Lopez’s company, which estimates the global podcast economy at $7.4 billion, broken down into direct ad revenue, programmatic ad revenue, branded work for hire, and consumer revenue. Todd expresses skepticism about the consumer revenue portion, questioning the accuracy of the number claimed to be contributed by consumers to podcasters annually. They analyze the statistics by calculating the average earnings per podcaster in relation to the number of active shows in the industry and discuss the discrepancies in revenue claims.

The hosts further debate the evolving nature of podcasting, particularly the merging of audio and video formats. They emphasize the importance of understanding the distinction between traditional audio podcasts and video content, arguing over whether the current narrative in the industry is placing too much emphasis on video at the expense of audio.

As they wrap up, both Todd and Rob acknowledge the need for the industry to better serve niche audiences and content creators. They highlight the opportunities for podcasters to band together to create networks around specific topics and stress the value of community engagement to ensure the sustainability of the podcasting medium.

In closing, Todd gives recommendations on content relevant for deeper understanding and encourages listeners to engage with niche podcasts, while also prepping for their upcoming interactions at the Podcast Show 2025. They bid farewell and mention their social media handles for listeners to follow.

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