Eps 1: Woe In The Podcast News
The podcast industry is facing some tough challenges as companies have been laying off people in the past months. The pandemic has caused a drop in advertising revenue, and some companies have struggled to find alternative sources of funding. However, there are still opportunities for podcasts to thrive. Smaller shows have been able to connect more with their audience and build a loyal following, while larger companies like Spotify and Amazon are investing heavily in the industry. Additionally, the rise of paid subscriptions and exclusive content may provide a revenue source for creators in the future. Despite the current challenges, the outlook for the podcast industry remains positive.
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| Host image: | StyleGAN neural net |
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Host
Stacey Wade
Podcast Content
Hello and welcome to another episode of "Woe in The Podcast News". I'm Sarah, and in today's episode, we'll be discussing the latest trends and news of the podcast industry. The podcasting world has witnessed some significant upheavals in the past few weeks, from the rise and fall of certain shows, to the constant tussle between podcast creators and the tech giants that host their shows. So, let's dive right in and take a closer look at what's been happening.
Firstly, let's talk about the impact of COVID-19 on podcasting. Since the pandemic situation emerged, there has been a rapid increase in podcast listenership. People staying at home are increasingly turning to podcasts as a way of getting some entertainment, education, and information. More and more people are starting with podcasting, and this has led to a surge in the number of podcasts on various topics. According to recent reports, there are now over 2 million podcasts available, and the number is only growing.
Secondly, let's discuss the ongoing Spotify vs. Apple battle. Earlier this year, Spotify acquired the company behind popular podcasting platform Anchor and podcasting network, Gimlet Media. This move was seen as an attempt by Spotify to take on Apple's podcast supremacy, as Apple's Podcasts app is still the most widely used platform for podcast listening. Spotify's deal was also a sign of its overall strategy to expand its media reach and become a full-on content provider, rather than just a digital music platform.
However, Apple has recently revamped its podcast subscription services to keep up with its competition. Apple's new service offers premium subscriptions and its subscribers will have access to ad-free, exclusive content from various podcasters for a monthly fee. With Apple's reach and influence in the market, this move by them could impact Spotify's growth in the long run.
Lastly, let's talk about the rise and fall of some prominent podcasts. One of the biggest podcast waves last year was "The Joe Rogan Experience," which was acquired by Spotify for a whopping $100 million in May 2020. However, the show has been facing criticism for promoting controversial views and providing misinformation, which led to a decrease in some of its viewership. This has raised the importance of fact-checking and accountability in the podcasting world.
On the other hand, podcasts such as "Crime Junkie" and "The Daily" are riding high on their recent successes. "Crime Junkie" is a true crime podcast with over 350 million downloads. Meanwhile, "The Daily," the daily news podcast from The New York Times, has also grown to become one of the most popular podcasts in the US. These examples highlight the power of storytelling and the sheer potential for impact that podcasting has.
That's all the time we have for today's episode. Thank you for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on all the latest trends and news in the podcasting world. Until next time, this has been Woe in The Podcast News, and I'm Sarah signing off.