Podcast News for May – Week 1

May 3, 2024

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Let’s see what’s going on with these 10 updates on the latest on podcasting trends, industry happenings, and maybe even discover your next favorite listen.

1. Podfest Asia with Niall Mackay

Niall, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, is hosting a session at this years Podfest Asia in the Philippines!

He’ll be sharing his top tricks, tips and insider secrets to make every episode of yours a polished gem with Descript.?

Make your podcast stand out from the crowd with editing skills and secure your tickets for PODFEST Asia 2024 now! This is your chance to gain invaluable editing knowledge and insights from a master of the craft.

2. True Crime Awards 2024 Winner

The True Crime Awards 2024 ceremony has recognized excellence in various storytelling formats that explore true crime. Here’s a breakdown of some key points:

1. Importance of respectful storytelling: The awards acknowledge the difficulty of portraying sensitive true-crime stories while honoring the victims and survivors.
2. Award Categories: There are 24 categories spanning documentaries, podcasts, books, dramas, and digital influencers. New this year is the “Impact for Change” category recognizing content that led to positive outcomes.
3. Winners across various platforms: Award winners include “The Hunt for Raoul Moat” (drama adaptation), “The Flight Attendant Murders” (docuseries), “Suspect: Five Shots in the Dark” (serialized podcast), “No Ordinary Day” (book), and “Crime Analyst” (listener’s choice podcast).

3. James Corden and SiriusXM’s Scott Greenstein to Headline The Podcast Show

The Podcast Show, a major international event for the podcasting industry, is set to take place in London on May 22nd and 23rd. Organizers recently announced a star-studded addition to the lineup: SiriusXM’s President Scott Greenstein will be in conversation with the popular James Corden. This fireside chat is sure to be a highlight, offering insights into the global audio landscape, the rise of podcasting, and SiriusXM’s role within it.

The event expects a massive turnout, with over 15,000 attendees from around the world. This unique festival brings together industry leaders, established platforms, up-and-coming creators, and everyone in between.

4. Is Radio Dying? Podcast Listening on the Rise Among Fans

A recent study by Jacobs Media surveyed fans of AM/FM radio to understand their audio consumption habits. While these loyal listeners spend most of their time with traditional radio, podcasts are gaining some traction.

Podcast Listening Among Radio Fans:

• 31% listen to podcasts weekly, down slightly from 2023.
• Millennial listeners are twice as likely to listen to podcasts weekly compared to Baby Boomers.
• 6% listen to podcasts in their cars, highlighting a potential area of growth for podcasts.

The Challenge for Radio:

• The rise of in-car infotainment systems threatens radio dominance as they offer easy access to digital audio options like podcasts and streaming services.
• While digital listening of radio stations (via streaming, podcasts, etc.) is increasing, the growth is slowing down.

The study suggests that radio may need to adapt to compete with the growing popularity of podcasts and in-car digital audio options.

5. Giving Voice to Families of Transgender People

Josephine Hughes’ podcast returns with a focus on the human stories behind the often-divisive topic of transgender identity.

As a mother of two transgender daughters and a counselor, Hughes brings a unique perspective to the show.? This third season aims to bridge the gap between public perception and the realities faced by transgender people and their families.

Compelling Conversations:

• Listeners will hear from a pediatrician who changed their parenting approach after their child came out as transgender.
• A wife of a transgender person offers insights on navigating late transitions.
• The show also explores neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ identities, and the challenges faced by advocates.

The first episode of season three is available now on major podcast platforms. The Gloriously Unready website also offers resources for those seeking additional support.

6. Spotify Takes the Lead: Now #1 in Podcast Downloads

Spotify has secured a significant win in the podcasting world, according to Buzzsprout’s latest download statistics for April. For the first time ever, Spotify has surpassed Apple Podcasts as the leader in podcast downloads across Buzzsprout’s 124,000 active shows.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering Apple Podcasts’ default auto-download feature, a convenience not currently offered by Spotify. Additionally, unlike Apple TV and Apple Music, Apple Podcasts remains unavailable on Android devices.

While Spotify previously held the top spot for listeners, this new data suggests the platform is making significant strides in the downloads game as well.

7. Global Media Consumption Reaches a Turning Point: PQ Media Report Unveils Key Trends

The way we consume media is evolving rapidly, and a new report by PQ Media paints a fascinating picture of this changing landscape. Their findings reveal a slowdown in global media consumption growth, with usage increasing by a mere 0.3% in 2023, compared to 3% the year before.

Despite the overall slowdown, digital media continues its ascent. Audio, driven by podcasts and streaming services, remains the second most consumed medium globally.? In fact, digital media now accounts for over 37.5% of worldwide media consumption, with some countries exceeding 50%.

Looking ahead, PQ Media predicts a potential rebound in 2024 due to major events like the US election and Summer Olympics. The report also reminds us that slower growth isn’t necessarily negative. During economic downturns, media consumption can rise as people have more free time and potentially seek comfort and escape through media.

8. Google Podcasts will be closing globally on June 24th, 2024

Google is transitioning podcast listeners to YouTube Music. This move aims to create a more unified experience for audio content within the YouTube ecosystem.?

Users will have until July 29th, 2024 to export their podcast subscriptions from Google Podcasts.

Since Google Podcasts will be the default podcast app for Android devices, users will need to choose a new app. Here are some recommendations mentioned in your source:

• Antennapod
• Pocket Casts
• Additional Notes:

It’s important to back up your podcast subscriptions before July 29th to ensure you don’t lose track of your favorite shows.

Apple Podcasts is not available on Android devices, so it’s not a direct alternative for those users.

9. Calling All New Zealand Podcast Enthusiasts: The NZ Podcasting Summit is Almost Here!

The highly-anticipated NZ Podcasting Summit is just around the corner, happening on Saturday, May 11th in Auckland Central.?

This annual day-long event is a wharenui (gathering place) for everyone involved in the New Zealand podcasting scene. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:

• Connect with fellow podcast producers, presenters, and industry professionals.
• Learn from experienced speakers across New Zealand.
• Collaborate with others and share your knowledge.
• Grow your podcasting skills and network.

The Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 11th, 2024
• Location: AUT University, WG Building, 2 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland Central
• Time: The event runs until 5:45 pm, but attendees often continue networking at a local pub afterward

10. Ausha’s PSO Control Panel: Boost Your Podcast Search Ranking

This snippet from Ausha highlights their new Podcast Search Optimization (PSO) Control Panel, designed to improve your podcast’s discoverability on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• PSO Control Panel: This is a new tool from Ausha that helps you optimize your podcast for search on major platforms.
• Enhanced Visibility: The PSO Control Panel aims to increase your podcast’s ranking in search results.
• Ausha’s Suite: The PSO Control Panel integrates with Ausha’s existing services for podcasters, including hosting, distribution, analytics, and promotion.
• Proven Track Record: Ausha claims to serve over 11,000 podcasters worldwide.