This week, I talked to two different friends, in two different fields, who were unhappy and looking for a career change. And I was able to connect each of them with someone who had been in a similar situation and made a leap to improve their situation. I mention this not because I’m the world’s greatest networker, but because it’s easier than you think.
The adverse events of 2020 have stressed all of us out in different ways. And while each of us is struggling with unique challenges, everywhere you look, our senses of humanity and empathy are coming through. Neighbors and co-workers are helping each other. And that means virtually too. If you need help, ask. And you’d be surprised who you might know through just one degree of separation. The joy of helping someone is something we could all use right around now. Onto podcasting news….
A new Westwood One and Cumulus media survey shows how much more likely advertisers are to consider podcasts than just five years ago. TWO THIRDS of brands have discussed it. Also, podcast advertising represented only 15% of digital audio ad spending in 2019. By 2024, it will have almost doubled. https://www.westwoodone.com/2020/09/03/advertiser-perceptions-brand-agency-podcast-advertising-consideration-and-intention-soar-to-record-levels/?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2020-09-04
Latest concepts in Spotify’s bid to take over the world include the idea of saving podcast episodes, giving Spotify free users 30 minutes of streaming per day that won’t use your WiFi or data plan, and an improved UI, for “car mode.” https://www.xda-developers.com/spotify-local-group-sessions-auto-refresh-playlists-saving-podcast-episodes-30-minute-offline-listening-free/?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2020-09-08
They’ve also launched an ad campaign called “Music, Meet Podcasts.” https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/spotify-music-meet-podcasts?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2020-09-08
Meanwhile, Google Podcasts is working on something called “Your News Update” – basically trying to create a customized news playlist for you – but it’s got a long way to go. https://www.wired.com/story/google-your-news-update-podcasts/
They’ve also added a “Cast” button to the Android version of the Google Podcasts app, that will allow you to send content to your home devices. https://9to5google.com/2020/09/08/google-podcasts-now-playing-cast/?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2020-09-09
Spotify may have Michelle Obama, but iHeartRadio has landed Bill Clinton, and maybe Hillary, as podcasts hosts. Personally, I think iHeart should be focused less on their app, and more on their content creation. https://deadline.com/2020/09/bill-clinton-podcast-iheartmedia-1234572549/
Patreon gets a $1 billion valuation. https://rainnews.com/patreon-widely-used-by-podcasters-and-musicians-reaches-unicorn-status-with-fundraise/
As always, if you have questions about podcasting, or need help launching (or even tweaking) your show, feel free to reach out – jag@jagindetroit.com or on social at JAGinDetroit.
