Thursday, October 17, 2019
PodcastOne and Edison Research Reveal Data on Podcast ‘Super Listeners’ at IAB Upfront. The topline findings from the first-ever Super Listeners study from PodcastOne and Edison Research were revealed yesterday (10/16) at the IAB Podcast Upfront in New York and the complete findings will be made available via a webinar on Tuesday, October 22. PodcastOne and Edison say, “This study showcases the power of podcasting’s most active consumers, including how they react to advertising, the role ads play in their listening experience, and what the industry must be cautious about in maximizing advertising impact.” The podcast “super listeners” are defined as “those who spend at least five hours listening to podcasts each week.” This smaller number of consumers that account for a high degree of demand are the people most likely to hear podcasting ads and to really have an opinion about them. Some of the highlights of the study indicate that advertising in podcasts increases favorability for specific brands. For example, 60% of “super listeners” appreciate podcast advertisers for supporting their favorite podcasts and 44% say their opinion of a company is more positive when they hear it mentioned in a podcast they regularly listen to. This favorability impacts the thing advertisers care about most, conversions. 70% considered a new product or service as a result of hearing a sponsorship or ad on a podcast they regularly listen to and 43% say that when price/quality are equal, they prefer to buy products from companies that advertise on podcasts they regularly listen to. However, the study also warns that too many ads will leave a negative impression as 50% of “super listeners” say it is important or very important to limit their exposure to ads and 49% of say there are more ads now than there were a year ago. Right now, only 24% say there are too many ads in podcasts, compared to 62% for TV, 47% for AM/FM radio and 45% for streaming audio. The webinar will feature PodcastOne CEO Peter Morris and Edison Research SVP Tom Webster as they walk attendees through an exclusive look at podcasting’s heaviest listeners, their attitudes towards advertising, and how they view podcasting in the greater media landscape. Register here.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former WSCR-AM “The Score” sports talk host Jason Goff is joining NBC Sports Chicago to host pre-game and post-game shows for Chicago Bulls games. Goff lost his gig at “The Score” after Entercom SVP and market manager Jimmy de Castro decided some of the station’s hosts were becoming too political, writes Feder…..Award-winning television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes is partnering with iHeartMedia to launch Shondaland Audio that will develop a full slate of iHeartRadio Original Podcasts set to release over the next three years as part of the iHeartPodcast Network. Rhimes will oversee the development and chief digital and design officer Sandie Bailey will manage day-to-day operation. Rhimes says, “Podcasting continues to see tremendous growth and I’m excited to partner with iHeartMedia as Shondaland expands its storytelling journey into this medium which has seemed to usher in a unique sense of boldness, intimacy and connection. With iHeartMedia we aim to share stories that are engaging, insightful, and reflect a robust world-view while staying true to the authentic storytelling voice that has become synonymous with Shondaland.”
Executive Moves at Urban One. The company promotes VP and deputy general counsel C. Kristopher Simpson to senior vice president and general counsel. At the same time, Urban One announces it is bringing Tony Spinelli aboard as chief information officer. The company says Simpson will now oversee legal operations across the company’s five divisions. Throughout his tenure with Urban One, Simpson has provided counsel to the board of directors, executive management, and corporate finance/treasury teams. He’s also served as counsel on various acquisitions and divestitures across Urban One’s divisions, managed its outside counsel, and worked with its investment advisors on various refinancing projects. Urban One says Spinelli – who comes to the company after 25 years in the financial services industry – will manage all aspects of the company’s technology infrastructure. He most recently led the digital startup, Fractal Industries.
2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-Syria Policy, Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Controversy, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings Dies, U.S.-China Trade Talks/Hong Kong Bill, and Brexit Deal Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/17). The aftermath of Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate; the Trump Administration’s Syria policy and the withdrawal of American troops for Northeastern Syria; the impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related controversy over Hunter and Joe Biden’s and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani’s Ukraine dealings; longtime U.S. Rep. Elijah Cumming dies at 68; the status of U.S.-China trade talks and China’s warning about the U.S. Congress’ Hong Kong bill interfering in their internal affairs; and reports of a Brexit deal on the table were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Jim Bohannon Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Perennial TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” star Jim Bohannon is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Next year marks the Cumulus Media/Westwood One personality’s 60th anniversary in radio. Harrison and Bohannon discuss the mega-changes that have occurred in the radio business over the past six decades, taking a seasoned look at the current state of the medium and its trajectory going forward including a fascinating analysis on the ever-changing relationship between content and platform. They also discuss the implications of the disappearance of the local radio station as a community cultural center. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Station Manager Position in Cincinnati. Christian broadcaster Pillar of Fire has a station manager position open in Cincinnati. The post says: Are you looking for a job with purpose? Contemporary Christian music station “STAR 93.3” (WAKW) Cincinnati is looking for a qualified, well-rounded individual to oversee and ensure the smooth daily operation and growth of the radio station. This position involves managing the staff, administrative, compliance, technical, program, fundraising, and sales aspects of the station. Reporting to the network director of broadcasting, the station manager is responsible for fostering the positive organizational culture, personality, listener growth, and financial viability of the station and representing the station at local and industry-wide events. Job requirements include a bachelor’s degree, commitment to excellence, and at least 5 years of successful radio station management. ‘STAR 93.3’ offers a positive working environment. Send your resume to: hr@star933.com. No calls please. EOE.
Tags: C. Kristopher Simpson, Chicago, Chicago Bulls, Edison Research, Entercom, IAB Podcast Upfront, Jason Goff, Jimmy de Castro, NBC Sports Chicago, news/talk radio, Peter Morris, podcast, PodcastOne, super listener, Talkers Magazine, The Score, Tom Webster, Tony Spinelli, Urban One, WSCR
Category: Front Page News, Industry News