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🎙️ Optimism Returns to Podcasting

Dive into this week’s biggest podcasting news and updates

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Listener.com
July 19, 2024

Featured Partner of the Week

Happy Friday! It’s been another exciting week in the podcasting world! From optimism returning to the industry after a challenging year, to Acast striking a major deal with the Pionaire Network, and the beloved "Office Ladies" podcast moving to Audacy, this week is full of notable developments and industry buzz.

If you’re new here, our goal with this newsletter is to bridge the gap between podcast industry news and culturally relevant moments happening in the world of podcasting. Thank you for subscribing! If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with a friend and let's keep building together!

With gratitude,

Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

🎧 Podcasting News & Highlights

Discover the Latest Trends, Exclusive Interviews, and Industry Updates

Podcasting Bounces Back as Optimism Returns to the Industry

Photographer: yanyong/iStockphoto

After a challenging year filled with layoffs, closures, and show cancellations, the podcasting industry is seeing renewed optimism. Last year's struggles stemmed from advertiser budget cuts and shifting priorities towards profitability over growth. Additionally, changes in how Apple Podcasts counted downloads contributed to the turbulence. Now, the industry is adapting and showing signs of recovery, with new opportunities and growth on the horizon. As the podcasting landscape evolves, we anticipate a resurgence of innovative content and partnerships. Learn more.

Acast Partners with Pionaire Network Welcoming "The Bert Show" and More

Photo via Acast

Acast has struck a significant deal with the Pionaire Network, bringing popular shows like "The Bert Show" into its fold for hosting, distribution, and ad sales. Bert Weiss, host of "The Bert Show" and co-founder of the Pionaire Network, emphasized Acast's unique understanding of both radio and podcasting audiences. This partnership not only includes "The Bert Show" but also other fan favorites like "The Breakup Breakdown" and "In the Moement." With Acast's expertise, these shows are poised to reach even wider audiences and offer enhanced monetization opportunities for advertisers. Read More.

"Office Ladies" Podcast Finds New Home at Audacy

Photo via ADAM HENDERSHOTT

Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer’s beloved podcast, "Office Ladies," is making a move to Audacy starting August 14. Previously hosted by SiriusXM since its launch in 2019, the podcast offers behind-the-scenes insights into episodes of "The Office" and features interviews with cast members and guest stars. Audacy will now handle the sales, distribution, and production of the podcast. Fans can continue to enjoy new episodes every Wednesday, as Kinsey and Fischer share their unique perspectives and untold stories from the iconic show. Learn more.

Women’s Sports Audio Network Debuts with Star-Studded Lineup

Photo via iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment have launched the Women’s Sports Audio Network (WSAN), the first audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. The lineup features top athletes and personalities such as Madison Packer, Sheryl Swoopes, and Sarah Spain, offering diverse sports coverage from soccer and basketball to tennis and golf. Capital One and e.l.f. Cosmetics join as founding partners, underscoring the network's commitment to excellence. WSAN's inaugural show, "Women’s Sports Reports," goes live on June 18 across over 500 iHeartMedia radio stations, marking a significant milestone for women's sports coverage. Read more.

Overcast Reimagined for a Decade of Innovation

Photo via Overcast

Popular podcast player Overcast, developed by Marco Arment, has been completely rebuilt for its tenth anniversary. This redesigned app now relies on downloads instead of streaming episodes, reflecting the changing needs of podcast listeners. The overhaul aims to enhance user experience and performance, ensuring Overcast remains a top choice for podcast enthusiasts. With a fresh interface and improved functionality, Overcast continues to set the standard for podcast apps, offering listeners a seamless and enjoyable experience. Read more.

đź“° Press-Worthy Moments

Welcome to our new newsletter segment, "Press-Worthy Moments." With so much happening in the podcasting world, we want to highlight the can't-miss news. Here’s what’s making waves this week:

Have news to share? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected] to get featured!

Partner Spotlight

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Acast, the world’s largest podcast company. Acast connects nearly 125,000 podcasts with audiences globally, offering a diverse catalog of high-quality content.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been creating the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, building the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans nearly 125,000 podcasts, 2,700 advertisers, and approximately 400 million monthly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized wherever they happen - across any podcasting app or other listening platform.

The company operates worldwide and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Acast is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ACAST.ST).

For podcasters looking to grow and monetize their shows, we highly recommend checking out Acast. Their innovative technology and extensive reach make them an invaluable partner in the podcasting world. Learn more.

đź”— Stay Connected

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With gratitude,

Casey Adams
Founder & CEO, Listener.com

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