CAOs, Get A Recap of Last Week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions From Panelists and Attendees; Edison’s 2024 Audio Insights Are Here!

CAOs, did you miss out on Podcast Movement Evolutions last week? We have the cure for your FOMO right here, in an all-new Industry Edition of the Media Roundtable. Join us as we recap the most significant takeaways at this year’s event and distill days of insights into bite-sized chunks. No travel or expense report required.

Dan Granger (Oxford Road CEO & Founder) is back on the host microphone, joined by fellow attendees and Agents of Influence Stew Redwine (Oxford Road VP of Creative Services), Giles Martin (Oxford Road EVP of Strategy & Insights), and James Ingrassia (Oxford Road EVP of Client Service). And, we’re beyond pleased to welcome back (albeit with technical difficulties) one of the featured speakers at this year’s event, and frequent MRT special guest, James Cridland, the world’s favorite Audio Futurologist (Podnews, Podcast Business Journal).

“To see somebody (Amy Poehler) that has the option of being in any type of media they want, choosing podcasts… is very validating for where we are at with this channel.” – Dan Granger (Oxford Road CEO & Founder)

We’re talking about why Amy Poehler prefers Podcast as her platform, how Stew Redwine is taller than you might think, why James Cridland’s MowPod shirt may be a collector’s item, and so much more. Let’s listen in.

Finding Common Ground – For the first time in a long time, advertisers and content creators are on an equal playing field. Creators are being hit by the perceived loss of downloads and company layoffs, while advertisers are being hit with increasingly higher standards in measurement and performance. As a result, pie-in-the-sky opportunities are experiencing a deeper level of scrutiny, as pathways to growth are becoming the norm.

YouTube Saving Live Reads – Inadvertently ▶️ – There appeared to be an aversion to YouTube (overall) at this year’s Evolutions event, with content creators feeling like the video streaming giant is not taking the podcast medium seriously. But content creators are keen to note how baked-in ad reads on YouTube actually expand reach, allowing them to sell more impressions. #SaveTheLiveReads

Take the “AI” Out of Audio… – …It’s all about the “U-DO”. Everyone at this year’s event was talking about AI and how it will change our industry. Stew Redwine so cleverly suggests to those of us in the space, that the personal connection is what has made Podcast successful in the past, and while AI may streamline some processes, it’s what “U DO” that makes the difference. Personal connection will matter even more in our future AI world.

For audio insights you won’t get anywhere else, tune into the full episode by clicking the link below.

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Listen Here: Spotify

Listen Here: Apple

The Classifieds

No User’s Manual Required

This Internet thing might be sticking around for a while, and we’re just as shocked as you are. In light of that fact, it’s no surprise that the tech genre features some of the most insightful, full-throated reporting out there. Well-known Internet user and tech journalist, Taylor Lorenz, has partnered with Vox to produce a new podcast combining the glee of curiosity with cold hard facts. The Internet intersects many worlds, and Lorenz plumbs them all alongside her guests, providing important context for shocking headlines. Lorenz oozes big sister energy, and it’s that charming persona that makes her work pleasing to listeners who are easing themselves into self-education and self-improvement. Power User is steadily growing, and once this show finds its foothold, it’ll be a prime option for clients aiming to reach informed young professional techies. Power your way through to the link below for more.

Get The Deal

The Role Has Been Filled

Work-Life Balance has become extremely important in our everyday lives. At the core of that ideal is the understanding that people are looking for answers not always easily found. Nicole Lapin and Jason Feifer help listeners find that harmony with their Help Wanted podcast on the Money News Network. The business genre is proliferated with all kinds of content, but what makes this a distinct outlier in the space is the focus on self-improvement, mental health, and other inspirational content. Lapin also hosts chart topping Money Rehab, a show diving into specific issues involving personal finance, small business stewardship, and real estate. Money Rebab already has a slate of great partnerships with B2B advertisers, and DTC brands. And thanks to the show’s frequent publishing schedule, there’s still room to test through EOY. Find harmony by clicking the link below.

Get The Deal

In Case You Missed It

Amazon’s New TV Ingredient: Podcasts

Audible Inc., in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, is leveraging the success of popular podcasts and original audio content to develop a TV series. This partnership brings together renowned figures like Kerry Washington, author James Patterson, and “Suits” creator Aaron Korsh to create fully scripted podcasts like; “The Prophecy,” “Hot White Heist,” “Oracle” and “Nut Jobs,” along with unscripted concepts like “Words+Music” and “Breakthrough.” This initiative aims to capitalize on successful content to create a compelling series for viewers in the U.S. and beyond. The TV and movie industries have always researched other forms of media to cook up content. Add podcasts to that recipe.

Newsflash: Podcasts Reach Decision Makers

New research from Signal Hill shows that business decision makers are avid podcast listeners, often consuming over 5 hours of podcasts weekly. They’re particularly drawn to genres like; news, business, education, and technology. They also value podcasts offering deep insights, challenges to their thinking, and opportunities for self-improvement and inspiration. While these business types primarily listen at home, many tune-in during their commute, while traveling and when working out. Spotify and Apple Podcasts are their go-to choices. Podcasts present a powerful avenue for B2B brands to engage with this high-value audience seeking knowledge and professional growth.

The 2024 Infinite Dial is Here!

Monthly podcast listening jumps 5 percentage points to 47% of P12+ on a monthly basis. Growth-in-listening is most rapid among women. The percentage of women listening is now almost on par with men (48% for men, 45% for women). All age segments experienced growth in podcast listening YoY. Streaming listening is mature with 76% of P12+ listening monthly. Interestingly, weekly listening isn’t far behind at 70% of P12+. No surprise, Spotify is far and away the brand used most often among online audio listeners. This opens up new market opportunities, particularly in Latin America, where podcast listening will overtake the US by 2025. Podcasting is alive, well, and growing. Diversity of content and the multiple ways it can be consumed are likely drivers. Streaming is now mainstream, albeit a good percentage of listening is subscription based.

Anything But “Miss Understood” When It Comes To Prolon

When it comes to fasting, how many different methods or blogs have you listened to in an effort to kick start a health cleanse? Rachel Uchitel certainly knows a thing or two about that! In her setup, she describes her regular reset period during the transition from Winter to Spring, wanting to avoid exhaustion and instead come out rejuvenated! Well it’s a good thing she found Prolon! On her Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel podcast, she delivers strong substantiation referring to the beginning of her journey with this fasting-science nutrition program. Rachel’s excitement can be felt through the audio waves as she describes the food items in her subscription box. Her influence for this product is infectious, as she uses her platform to document the journey with Prolon. In the end, her recommendation will surely produce growth for Prolon. As a partner with us here at Oxford Road, Rachel makes the top of the host list, with a stellar grade.

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OXFORd In The News

Dan Granger Shares View From The Top

During last week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions, Dan Granger, Oxford Road CEO & Founder, joined a diverse panel including leaders; Drew Marcus (Guggenheim Securities), Jenna Weiss-Berman (Audacy & Pineapple Media), and Sarah van Mosel (SiriusXM), for the movement’s annual “View From The Top” panel. Overall, the panel provided insights into the current state and future outlook of the podcasting industry, addressing challenges and opportunities in areas like; advertising, platform expansion, and technological advancements. For those who missed this year’s event and this panel, Amplifi’s recap will bring you up to speed.

If you’ve read this far, thank you!

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