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| Here are today's lead stories for the podcasting newsletter. - Triton Digital releases second annual U.S. Podcast Report.
- ESPN begins telecasting video podcasts.
- SiriusXM inks deal with SmartLess Media.
Thanks for reading! Christopher
p/chris951156 | |
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What the data says: Wondery boosted its average weekly downloads by nearly 7 million in 2023 compared to 2022. That was by far the largest boost in the top 10 sales networks in 2023. Audacy Podcast Network saw its average weekly downloads sink by around 7 million last year. Only NBCUniversal News Group and WarnerMedia saw positive gains in their downloads each week for sales networks that were listed in the top 10 in 2022 and 2023. Relevance: Triton Digital released the second annual U.S. Podcast Report. SiriusXM Podcast Network was the No. 1 sales network this year, with an average of 51.5 million weekly downloads. Last year, Stitcher Media was the top sales network, which SiriusXM had acquired in 2020 and shut down in 2023, taking over the sales for the company. Soundrise made its debut in the top 10 sales networks with 5.7 million weekly downloads in 2023. More data: Triton Digital also released its findings for several other aspects of the podcast industry. YouTube is now the preferred platform for podcast listeners. Mobile devices own the majority of the market share on how people listen, with 94.1% of respondents saying they prefer their phones. The number of people who listen to podcasts has grown by 12% over the past two years. |     | |
| 2 | | ESPN began telecasting video podcasts yesterday as a part of a seasonal content initiative. The "worldwide leader in sports" is looking to expand the reach of its podcast offerings by telecasting them on weekdays at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2. More: - Yesterday's podcast was First Draft, hosted by Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. Tuesday's is The Hoop Collective, hosted by Brian Windhorst and other ESPN NBA insiders.
- Wednesday's is The Lowe Post, hosted by Zach Lowe, while Thursday's is The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny, hosted by Mina Kimes. Friday's will be The Elle Duncan Show, hosted by Elle Duncan and Gary Striewski.
- "This strategic content initiative provides our ESPN podcasts with a tremendous opportunity for continued growth and audience expansion while simultaneously lending compelling content to our ESPN2 television lineup," said Mike Foss, ESPN Senior Vice President, Production. "The opening slate of podcasts combine timely, in-season sports — First Draft, The Hoop Collective and The Lowe Post — and high-profile ESPN personalities such as Mina Kimes and Elle Duncan."
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| 3 | | SiriusXM has agreed to a multiyear deal with SmartLess Media for exclusive advertising and distribution rights for content, events, and its flagship titular podcast. SmartLess is a popular podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, the founders of SmartLess Media. More: - The deal will commence in late 2024, as SmartLess Media is currently under contract with Amazon and Wondery. That three-year deal was struck in the summer of 2021 and was worth $80M.
- The three-year agreement with SiriusXM is reportedly valued at over $100M, according to a Bloomberg report.
- SmartLess is known for the comedic nature of the three hosts, as well as the mystery guest segment, where one of the hosts brings on a guest who is unknown to the other two hosts until the show records.
- SiriusXM subscribers will gain early access to other shows under SmartLess Media, such as Just Jack & Will, Bad Dates, and Owned. Fans can also earn the opportunity to be at live tapings of their favorite SmartLess Media shows.
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| 4 | | Ahead of his induction into the Podcast Hall of Fame, PodcastOne has renewed its agreements with Adam Carolla for his two podcasts. Carolla's long-running podcasts, The Adam Carolla Podcast and The Adam and Dr. Drew Show, will continue to be distributed by PodcastOne, although the terms have not been released. More: - Carolla is set for induction into the Podcast Hall of Fame as a member of the sixth annual class during Podfest later this month.
- His two shows have combined for over 700 million downloads and over 7,000 episodes.
- The Adam Carolla Podcast premiered in 2009 and has remained one of the most popular podcasts over the past 15 years.
- The Adam and Dr. Drew Show debuted in 2012 and teamed Carolla with his former KROQ radio co-host, Dr. Drew Pinsky. It is an uncensored call-in show that's similar to Loveline, which the duo hosted on the radio two decades ago.
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| 5 | | Acast has partnered with Azerion to broaden its reach in Europe. The independent podcasting giant has agreed to a deal with one of Europe's largest digital advertising and media platforms to increase its presence in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece. More: - Per the agreement, Azerion will help agencies and brands promote Acast programming to boost audio advertising campaigns. Azerion will take on direct and programmatic ad sales on a local level for Acast.
- Utilizing Azerion will help Acast gain more expertise in regions it is looking to expand in, as it either doesn't have a physical presence in those countries or has a small one.
- These regions represent areas where Acast has attracted attention from different creators and podcasters.
- "Azerion's sales and market strategy experience positions them as the ideal partner to enhance our reach and podcast monetization potential," said Megan Davies, Acast's Managing Director, International.
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| 6 | | Broccoli Productions, a podcast production company, has announced that it will shut down this week. It stated that its partnership with Sony Music Entertainment ended early, and the company would be forced to close after six years. More: - Sony ended a number of partnerships at the end of last year and had been in a joint venture since October 2019 with Broccoli Productions.
- Broccoli Productions listed six staff members on its website. In the statement posted to the company's LinkedIn page, Broccoil said that "while Broccoli is closing, the people who have been doing that work aren't going anywhere."
- The London-based company sought to bring "bold, creative, and inclusive shows that break through industry barriers." Podcasts by Broccoli included BUILD, Human Resources, Anthems, and more.
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- Cumulus Media highlights how Apple iOS17 is helpful for podcast advertisers and content creators in its latest blog post.
- Apple announced that transcripts will be available on Apple Podcasts this spring.
- The Podglomerate has promoted Morgan Swift to Senior Manager of Marketing and Audience Development.
- Podcast Movement, the annual podcasting industry conference, has announced PodMov Podfront, an event that showcases publishers for brands, agencies, and buyers. It will take place on March 26.
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 | Freelance Editor | | Christopher Hachey is a freelance writer and editor based in the New York City area. He has spent most of the past 15 years in newsrooms covering all kinds of topics like sports, tech, business, finance, and commerce. He's now returning to his broadcast journalism roots by diving into podcasting news. Reach out to him at chris@inside.com | | This newsletter was edited by Aaron Crutchfield | |
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