How iHeart's Buying Spree Will Effect The Future Of Podcasting [S3E81]

Yesterday's big podcasting news was iHeartMedia’s acquisition of Triton Digital for $230 million. Because apparently, that's what podcasting companies do these days: buy up other podcasting companies. 

I’m not going to speculate on how iHeart plans on integrating their new toys. I don’t work there, and I’m much more interested in what it might mean for all of podcasting.

This is an “all things podcast tech” move. And a bold one that will accelerate the shift away from static podcasts, which most of us podcasters are making today. 

At the heart (heh) of this acquisition is technology that allows iHeart to make content—for podcasts, streaming, and radio—that is truly dynamic. And as more podcasters start embracing and experimenting with dynamic content in their shows—or create shows entirely dependent on dynamic content—listeners are going to expect it. From all of us.

We’re already seeing some evidence of this. Look no further than last week’s announcement of the purchase of Auxbus by Libsyn, one of the longest-running podcast hosting companies, and their new “Creation” product line as part of that. It’s a safe bet to assume that means dynamic content is going to be a part of Libsyn’s offering to creators. That’s exciting! 

It’s time to stop hating on iHeart. Start by adding the “Listen on iHeart Radio” badge to your website. Yes, run it right alongside the badge for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others. I have. You’re not trying to get people to switch from their preferred app. You’re just adding some brand recognition.

Let’s keep this conversation going, shall we? Tomorrow at 10:00a Los Angeles, 1:00p New York, I’m hosting an audio-only conversation with other podcasters discussing how acquisitions like this will shape podcasting’s future. I’d love for you to be a part.

-----

Read the full article and share with a friend: https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/how-ihearts-buying-spree-will-effect-the-future-of-podcasting

Follow Evo on Twitter for more podcasting insights as they come.

Buy him a virtual coffee to show your support.

And if you need a professional in your podcasting corner, please visit Simpler.Media to see how Simpler Media Productions can help you reach your business objectives with podcasting.

Podcast Pontifications is published by Evo Terra four times a week and is designed to make podcasting better, not just easier.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support For Abortion Rights

While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on June 24th.

Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a...

Yesterday's big podcasting news was iHeartMedia’s acquisition of Triton Digital for $230 million. Because apparently, that's what podcasting companies do these days: buy up other podcasting companies. 

I’m not going to speculate on how iHeart plans on integrating their new toys. I don’t work there, and I’m much more interested in what it might mean for all of podcasting.

This is an “all things podcast tech” move. And a bold one that will accelerate the shift away from static podcasts, which most of us podcasters are making today. 

At the heart (heh) of this acquisition is technology that allows iHeart to make content—for podcasts, streaming, and radio—that is truly dynamic. And as more podcasters start embracing and experimenting with dynamic content in their shows—or create shows entirely dependent on dynamic content—listeners are going to expect it. From all of us.

We’re already seeing some evidence of this. Look no further than last week’s announcement of the purchase of Auxbus by Libsyn, one of the longest-running podcast hosting companies, and their new “Creation” product line as part of that. It’s a safe bet to assume that means dynamic content is going to be a part of Libsyn’s offering to creators. That’s exciting! 

It’s time to stop hating on iHeart. Start by adding the “Listen on iHeart Radio” badge to your website. Yes, run it right alongside the badge for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others. I have. You’re not trying to get people to switch from their preferred app. You’re just adding some brand recognition.

Let’s keep this conversation going, shall we? Tomorrow at 10:00a Los Angeles, 1:00p New York, I’m hosting an audio-only conversation with other podcasters discussing how acquisitions like this will shape podcasting’s future. I’d love for you to be a part.

-----

Read the full article and share with a friend: https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/how-ihearts-buying-spree-will-effect-the-future-of-podcasting

Follow Evo on Twitter for more podcasting insights as they come.

Buy him a virtual coffee to show your support.

And if you need a professional in your podcasting corner, please visit Simpler.Media to see how Simpler Media Productions can help you reach your business objectives with podcasting.

Podcast Pontifications is published by Evo Terra four times a week and is designed to make podcasting better, not just easier.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support For Abortion Rights

While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on June 24th.

Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety, and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions.

Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few.

You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations4abortion.com.

If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources:

1. ShoutYourAbortion.com is a campaign to normalize abortion.
2. DontBanEquality.com is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions.
3. Abortion.cafe has information about where to find clinics.
4. PlanCPills.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet.
5. Choice.CRD.co has a collection of these resources and more.

We encourage you to speak up! And spread the word.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podsights - https://podsights.com/privacy