The Association Of Independents (AIR) Partners With Tape Syncers United (TSU)

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The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) is excited to announce its new partnership with Tape Syncers United (TSU), strengthening its commitment to fair compensation standards in the audio industry. The collaboration integrates TSU’s tape sync rate recommendations into AIR’s comprehensive rate guide, offering greater transparency and consistent pay standards for audio professionals.

“We are thrilled to adopt the Tape Syncers United Rate Guide as part of our industry resources,” said Erin McGregor, Program Manager at AIR, who is leading the rate guide work. “TSU’s grassroots approach and collective decision-making process provides a dynamic model that ensures rates remain relevant and equitable year after year. This partnership enhances our ability to support audio professionals with up-to-date compensation benchmarks.”

AIR’s Rate Guide has served as a trusted industry resource for producers, editors, sound designers, engineers, mixers, fact-checkers, and entrepreneurs. TSU’s collaborative rate-setting process ensures tape sync rates reflect current market conditions, supporting sustainability and equity.

TSU regularly hosts meetings where members collaborative determine suggested rates. In its most recent update in early 2024, TSU raised the suggested minimum rate for a basic tape sync from $200 to $235, which includes a $35 equipment fee. This annual review reflects TSU’s commitment to fair compensation through collective advocacy. For more details, access the TSU Tape Sync Rate Guide.

“TSU is a proud community of tape syncers and producers from all over the world working together to help ensure both equitable and sustainable rates,” said Cory Choy, steering committee, Tape Syncers United. “Partnering with AIR is a natural and symbiotic step for us, and we are looking forward to everything this collaboration brings.”

About the TSU Rate Guide

The TSU rate Guide was established by a grassroots coalition of audio producers and tape syncers, drawing members from AIR and various public radio, audio, and podcast communities, who recognized the need for more frequent and equitable rate updates in the industry. The guide represents a collective approach to rate-setting, with its global membership voting on changes at least annually.

All TSU members commit to maintaining these established minimum rates, ensuring consistent professional standards across the industry. Through this collective action, TSU has created a living document that responds to market conditions while protecting the sustainability of tape sync services.

About the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR)

AIR supports independent audio professionals through advocacy, resources, and community-building initiatives. With tools like the Rate Guide, AIR empowers creators to build satisfying careers in public and private audio sectors. To learn more, visit airmedia.org.

Ad Results Media Forms Strategic Partnership With Stawell’s Brand Performance Network

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Stagwell Brand Performance Network, a division of Stagwell, announced a new strategic partnership with independent audio media agency Ad Results Media (ARM), to bring Stagwell’s clients advanced audio intelligence, expertise and specialization, and distinct advantage in the rapidly-growing audio creator economy.

ARM is joining forces with Stagwell Brand Performance Network to augment and accelerate the global marketing network’s audio buying power and capabilities across its portfolio of agencies, to help clients capitalize on the channel’s mass reach, audience engagement and cultural influence.

The new partnership creates the most advanced audio marketing capability within a global marketing network by allowing any Stagwell agency, including Assembly, Assembly Digital Commerce, Business Traveler Media, CBP Group LATAM, Forseman & Bodenfors, Ink Media, Foodstuff, Locaria, Multiview and Vitro, to seamlessly tap into Arm’s industry-leading intelligence, specialized services, expansive network of audio and creator partners, and 360-degree soultions spanning podcast, streaming, radio, YouTube, and extensions across live experiences and social.

It builds on ARM’s track record for delivering audio media strategy, creative, planning and buying for leading brands including Molson Coors, BetterHelp, ZipRecruiter, and Liquid Death.

“Our media network partners are advancing Stagwell clients into the future, and ARM brings deep specialization and unique advantage in harnessing the power and impact of the audio landscape,” said Jon Schaaf, Global Chief Investment Officer, Stagwell Brand Performance Network. “This industry-first collaboration will help us challenge legacy investment models, educate marketers and elevate the untapped power of audio in the consumer journey.”

According to Edison Research, 135 million people now listen to a podcast monthly, with IAB reporting a large share of Gen Z and Millennials now spend more time with audio content than streaming TV. With audio consumption representing 25 percent of ad-supported media time but only eight percent of advertiser budgets, more marketers stand to benefit from right-sizing their media mix, based on a newly released report from WARC Advisory and Audacy.

“Audio and audio-first creators have earned even more relevance amidst ongoing mass media fragmentation, offering brands mass reach, deep, authentic engagement and performance unparalleled by other channels,” said Jordan Fox, CEO of ARM. “Stagwell is a powerhouse of marketing innovation, and together, we are elevating audio as a potent vehicle of business and cultural impact.”

Kate Berlant and Jacquline Novack Create “Berlant and Novak”

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The cult classic Poog podcast has rebranded to Berlant and Novak and will operate under the Backyard Adventures network. Kate and Jacqueline are excited to move forward with whatever topics they so choose, be it: the artist’s grind, friendship, travel, food escapades, and more. These best friends, sisters really, unpack life’s greatest pleasures and struggles in a whole new format that feels just like coming home.

Poog garnered a devoted fanbase before its sudden and untimely demise, which devastated many. New York Magazine even featured the show’s seeming cancellation in their Culture Graphs, describing it as “highbrow/despicable.” Just a week after its abrupt end, Kate and Jacquline launched an indie version behind a paywall, rapidly gaining subscribers. 

Now, they’re back and free for all listeners with Berlant and Novak. Dedicated Poog fans, lovingly called “hags,” will be thrilled to know that hen asked in a recent AMA if they’re “still hags,” Kate and Jacqueline enthusiastically confirmed: “Yes, indeed!”

Kate and Jacquline are two hilariously outspoken women who are ready to do their own thing, their own way. Kate Berlant is an Emmy-nominated actress, stand-up comedian, and writer know for her appearances in big festivals such as SXSW and the New York Comedy Festival and has notably acted in many movies, such as “Don’t Worry Darling” and “Dream Scenario”. Kate is described as a “magnetic improvisational comic”

Jacqueline Novak is also an Emmy-nominated actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and published author most recently known for her Netflix comedy special “Get On Your Knees” and is a frequent guest on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”

New brand sponsors for the feed include Dr. Loretta and Fatty15. The show’s premium paywall also generated 3k+ subscribers in the first 3 days of being active. Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Adventures said,”We’re ecstatic to bring Berlant and Novak to the BV network. Seeing what Kate and Jacqueline have created to date is so impressive and we look forward to being part of their continued success moving forward.”

Jacqueline Novak, host of the show said: “We are thrilled to launch Berlant & Novak with the help of Backyard Venture.  After the sudden end of our previous Poog, we were determined to create something new, different, and better… and do so quickly, not wanting to leave our fans podcast-less for long. The support from Backyard Ventures team in getting an ad-supported feed up and running so quickly is extraordinary.”

About Backyard Ventures

Backyard Ventures is a boutique, premium partnership business based out of Austin, TX. BV launched in 2019 with a focus on podcast partnerships and now services 150+ clients across Podcasts, YouTube, and Newsletters. Some notable BV clients include Ryan Holiday of Daily Stoic and Daily Dad, Alison Roman, influencer chef and host of Solicited Advice Podcast, and Chris Black and Jason Stewart, fashion experts/writers and artists of the hit show Holg Long Gone.

Science Friday Names Flora Lichtman Host

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Veteran science journalist Floria Lichtman has been named a Host of Science Friday, the independently produced, trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science distributed by WYNC Studios. Founder Ira Flatow will also continue as host,

Lichtman is well-known to the Science Friday audience, having served as a frequent guest host since 2010. Known for her creative scientific storytelling Flora is the former host and creator of “Every Little Thing,” a Gimlet-produced podcast that ran for two hundred episodes over five years. She has also written for Netflix’s “Bill Nye Saves The World” and co-directed the Emmy-nominated video series “Animated Life” on the New York Times Op-Docs channel.

“I am thrilled that Flora is joining me as Host,” said Flatlow, who founded the show in 1991 and has overseen the program’s expansion to serve more than 1.8 million people on radio and digital platforms. “Floria is already beloved by our audience for her thoughtful insights, humor, and energy. She embodies the relentless curiosity, fun, and intellectual rigor that is foundational to our show.”

“Over the past twenty years, in my career, what has mattered most to me is making science accessible, relatable and human,” said Lichtman. “That’s what Science Friday is all about.”

“More than ever, we need more trustworthy science newsstand we always need more fun,” Lichtman added.

“Science Friday fans will be glad to know that Ira’s not going anywhere,” said Danielle D. Johnson, SciFri’s Executive Director. “After thirty-three years, Ira wants to bring in another trusted voice and perspective to anchor the show. Together, Ira and Flora will continue to inspire and delight our audience with entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and other cool stuff.”

Science Friday is an award-winning producer of high quality, fact-checked and trustworthy science news and educational programming. For 30 years, SciFri has introduced top scientists to public radio listeners, and remind them of how much fun it is to learn something new. Science Friday also produces a sweeping array of educational and entertaining science experiences through videos, podcasts, digital reporting, live events, citizen science, K-12 educational and professional development, and at-home learning activities for families that directly serve hundreds of thousands of educators, parents, citizen scientists, and lifelong learners every year.

The program can be heard on public radio stations in all 50 states and download by listeners across the world.

This week, Science Friday achieved a milestone, reaching its 501st station for distribution.

About Science Friday

Science Friday’s mission is to increase public access to science and scientific information. They strive to deliver enjoyable, understandable science to people and communities across the country.  Founded by Flatlow, Science Friday was first broadcast in 1991 as a caller-driven public radio talk show focused conscience and connecting wit the public with scientific experts. Since then, they’ve expanded their offerings into podcasts, digital and social media, education, live events, and community programming all in service of their mission.

About WNYC Studios

WNYC Studios is the premier producer of on-demand and broadcast audio that informs, inspires and delights millions of engaged listeners each month. WNYC Studios is home to some of the most critically acclaimed and beloved podcasts, including Radiolab, On The Media, and The New Yorker Radio Hour. In addition, WNCY Studios distributes some of public radio’s most popular programs, including Science Friday, Freakonomics, and Today, Explained to hundreds of public radio stations across the country.

LAist And CBS Los Angeles Expand Local Coverage Through Newsroom Partnership

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LAist And CBS Los Angeles, two award-winning multiplatform news organizations, announced a media partnership that will significantly enhance local news coverage for Angelenos.

Under the agreement, LAist will have access to audio from CBS Los Angeles’s live newscasts (on KCAL-TV and KCBS-TV), its online live streams, and covered press conferences. The partnership allows LAist to expand its coverage of essential stories across Los Angeles and Orange County. LAist will also provide access to reporters as guests on CBS Los Angeles, providing more expert voiced on stories that matter to Angelenos.

Additionally, the partnership allows both media and organizations to republish content on its respective digital platforms.

“LAist was looking for a television partner to help expand our news coverage, and using audio from the extensive daily local news programming of KSBS/KCAL news made this an ideal partnership for us, especially given its exceptional newsroom,” said Jeff Rowe, Vice President for Programming for LAist. “We are embarking on an exciting period for our organization and believe our partnership with CBS Los Angeles will mutually enhance our reach and broaden our impact.”

“Partnering with LAist allows us to combine our strengths and provide comprehensive and impactful local news coverage for Southern California,” said Matt Goldberg, news director, CBS Los Angeles. “We are committed to to delivering essential news and context to the communities we serve and we know LAist shares this same goal.”

The partnership adds to LAist’s growing portfolio of news coverage and content. LAist recently announced the launch of “Nobody Knows Anything,” a weekly Hollywood-centric game and chat show premiering in December on podcast and radio in partnership with The Black List and The Ankler. Last month, LAist debuted “Go Fact Yourself,” a pop culture celebrity trivia podcasts on LAist 89.3 and other platforms as part of a partnership with the Maximum Fun Podcast Network.

About LAist

LAist (LAist.com) is an award-winning member-supported public mediation organization. Recognized as a national leader in public service journalism and community engagement, LAist has earned more than 500 journalistic honors since 1999.

Its flagship station LAist 89.3 is LA’s #1 NPR affiliate. The network’s five signals (LAist 89.3, LAist 89.1 KUOR-FM, LAist 90.3 KVLA-FM, LAist 89.5 KJAI-FM and LAist 89.9 Santa Barbara) deliver local stories to communities across the region, including a robust slate of signature programs from NPR, APM, the BBC, and Pro. 

LAist’s reporting reaches more than seven million people per month across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. Its in-house production arm, LAist Studios, developed and produces signature programming for linear and on-demand, including the weekly narrative series “Imperfect Paradise.” 

Through its live programming and events platform, LAist operates The Crawford, a state-of-the-art convening venue, and produces a range of events and experiences there, and in the communities of Southern California throughout the year.

True Native Media Welcomes Tamala Edmonds And Jeff Stormer To The Team

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True Native Media, a premier podcast representation firm, is excited to announce the addition of two new talented team members: Tamala Edmonds as Campaign Manager and Jeff Stormer as Talent Development Manager.

With deep expertise in the podcasting and digital media industries, Tamala and Jeff bring a wealth of experience that will help True Native Media continue to deliver exceptional results for both podcasters and advertisers.

With over 20 years in the radio industry, Tamala Edmonds bring a robust background in audio advertising, project management, and ad operations to her new role as Campaign Manager at True Native Media. Having worked with industry giants like Write Label and iHeartMedia, Tamala has successfully led teams in creative production, ad operations, and project management, earning a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and results-driven approach.

In her new position, Tamala will be responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of podcast advertising campaigns, leveraging her experience to optimize ad performance and streamline operations. Her passion for podcasts and her natural curiosity for emerging trends in the audio space make her a perfect fit for the dynamic environment at True Native Media.

“Tamala’s extensive experience in managing complex ad operations and creative projects will be invaluable as we continue to scale our campaigns and offer tailored solutions for our clients,” said Heather Osgood, CEO of True Native Media.

Jeff Stormer is an award-winning digital marketer and podcast producer, bringing over 12 years of experience in digital marketing and nine years of expertise in podcast production to his role as Talent Development Manager at True Native Media. A true enthusiast  of the podcasting industry, Jeff has worked with independent podcasters and digital content creators across a variety of genres, from multimedia content development at Gerent to podcast production for indie publishers in the gaming space.

As Talent Development Manager, Jeff will focus on supporting and mentoring podcasters, helping them refine their craft and grow their audiences. His passion for helping creators succeed is evident in his volunteer work at Podcast Programing Director for the Minnesota Web Fest, where he recognized emerging fiction podcasts and creators. Jeff’s unique combination of digital marketing and podcasting expertise will help ensure True Native Media’s talent roster continues to thrive.

“Jeff’s deep knowledge of the digital landscape, paired with his passion for podcasting, makes him an ideal addition to our team,” said Heather Osgood, CEO of True Native Media.

“His ability to connect with creators and help them grow will be a significant asset as we expand our network of podcasters and continue to provide exceptional service to our clients.”

About True Native Media

True Native Media is a leading podcast representation firm that specializes in connecting podcasters with advertisers to create impactful and engaging content. By providing innovative advertising solutions, True Native Media enables brands to effectively reach their target audiences in the rapidly growing podcasting ecosystem.

Audacity And Claritas Introduced New Enhanced Measurement Capabilities for Broadcast And Digital Audio

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At the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2025, Audacity and Claritas announce a partnership to deliver enhanced measurement capabilities for clients through a cross-platform multi-touch attribution solution for analyzing the impact of broadcast and digital audio campaigns.

Audacity is leveraging Claritas’ advanced broadcast radio measurement capabilities to give deeper insights into campaign performance, including audience engagement and content responsiveness. Clients will be able to optimize their total audio campaigns based on key performance indicators by market, creative, time of day, etc., to make data-driven decisions and realize better outcomes for their media investments.

The Audacity and Claritas solution will integrate broadcast radio spots into multiplatform campaigns that Claritas is measuring for Audacity clients, tracking reach and impression frequency for ads running on Audacity broadcast stations. 

Claritas will combine this data with census-level website activity, including site visits, purchases and form fills, analyzes it through a proprietary data science model. This model identifies incremental website activity driven by Audacy’s radio campaigns by comparing exposed and unexposed markets. These analytics will be delivered in near real-time for fast learning and opportunities to optimize campaigns quickly.

“Multi-platform audio campaigns that couple traditional radio and digital to deliver better outcomes for our advertiser partners’ audio investments and to their overall media plans,” said Paul Suchman, Chief Marketing Officer, Audacy. “By integrating Claritas’ advanced measurement methodology into Audacity’s analytics stack, we’ll equip our clients with even more actionable data on how their campaigns are performing and Audio’s impact on overall campaign results.”

“Audacity and Claritas have delivered an important breakthrough in advertising measurement, integrating broadcast and digital. The insights on who is converting based on Claritas ID Graph, combined with GenAI analysis, are immediately actionable,” said Rex Briggs, Chief AI Officer, Claritas. “We are enabling advertisers to bolster their return on investment while providing the strategic value audio advertising delivers o businesses.”

By offering precise measurements of audio campaign performance, Audacity and Claritas are enabling advertisers to bolster their return on investment while proving the strategic value audio advertising delivers throughout the marketing funnel.

Shure Introduces the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface

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Shure announced the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface, at CES 2025. Featuring a world-first and patented technology, the MV7i sets a new standard of versatility and ease-of-use for podcasters, musicians, and streamers who require two channels of recording. 

Answering the needs of today’s creators, the MV7i enables users to directly connect to a second XLR microphone of their choice or musical instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.), eliminating the need for an external hardware interface. Designed to simplify the way creators record audio, the MV7i offers the same unmatched audio quality as the award-winning MV7+ – complete with onboard DSP and MOTIV Mix desktop and MOTIV mobile app integration.

“Whether they’re recording a podcast with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Eduardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management , at Shure. 

“The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expense and the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shrure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.”

Engineered for seamless two-channel recording, MV7i supports diverse creative needs, from podcasting with a guest to recording vocals and instruments. The built-in interface lets users seamlessly connect to a second microphone or instrument directly into the MV7i, and then control both channels of audio either in MOTIV apps through a computer or phone with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and app. It’s powerful, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine ensures studio-quality sound on both channels, minimizing the production setup. Creators can adjust the DSP setting on each of the MV7i’s two channels independently.

Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7B, the MV7i’s design is complemented by a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability. The microphone includes a built-in combo XLR and 1/4” input, enabling users to connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, compatible with both dynamic and condenser mics.

The MV7i instantly detects input type and automatically selects and applies the appropriate DSP for the recording application. Its USB-C output ensures broad compatibility with Mac, Windows, and select mobile devices, and is MFi certified for iPhone and iPad use. Additionally, the colour-customisable LED touch panel provides intuitive mute control and a dual-channel LED display for quick, at-a-glance access, simplifying adjustments during recordings and livestreams. The MV7i is compatible with your favorite Digital Audio Workstation and streaming platform.

“Creators no longer need a separate interface. The MV7i puts it all in one convenient and space-saving package, designed for users regardless of their level of audio knowledge,” continued Valdes. “Customized control of the microphone through MOTIV Mix makes it even easier to use.”

New Female Empowerment Podcast She Rises Launched

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Podshape announces the release of brand new podcast She Rises.

Join Ashy Bines & Tijana Bundalo as they help you Conquer yourself, your goals, and rise about IT ALL. She Rises is about female empowerment and encouraging you to be you biggest, boldest & most authentic version of yourself.

They will help you shed the shame, grow to a new level, laugh, cry and talk about the topics everyone else is afraid to talk about. Get ready to feel a breath of fresh air as we invite you into new conversations, the new levels of self acceptance & new levels of PERSONAL SUCCESS. With live, play, fun and spice … Get ready for your next level self.

The Hosts:

Ashy Bines is an Australian entrepreneur, fitness expert, and social media personality known for her empowering approach to health, wellness, and self-love. With a passion for helping women build confidence inside and out, Ashy has created a successful brand that includes workout programs, beauty products and a dedicated online community.

Tijana Bundalo is a qualified Life Coach Specializing in self worth for women globally. With a mission to empower women to recall their greatest potential through 1:1 coaching, programs and free resources, Tijana’s experience, wisdom & work light the path to self-mastery and transformation, encouraging others to live a more fulfilling life — free from insecurity, self doubt, and low self esteem.

Katie Mattin — Creator @podshape said: “We have been working with Ashy on her podcast since 2023 and are super excited to announced She Rises where she teams up with Tijana to take her contact to the next level.”

The first episode of She Rises has been released and new episode will be released on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

Lemonada Media Adds Hit Podcast “Talk Easy” With Sam Fragoso

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Lemonada Media, the award winning podcast network that makes life suck less, announced a new partnership with Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, — the acclaimed interview podcast feature intimate and in-depth conversations with people from all walks of life — to oversee ad sales and distribution for the series. 

The weekly series is hosted by Sam Fragoso, and features long form conversations with filmmakers, actors, writers, politicians, and more. “Talk Easy” will begin releasing episodes under the Lemonada banner on January 5th.

“As we look ahead to 2025, I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Lemonada,” said Sam Fragoso. “Jessica and Stephanie are exceptional leaders, and I’ve long admired their commitment to telling and enriching essential stories — as we try every Sunday on the program. I couldn’t imagine a better home for us as we approach our ninth year.”

Since its inception in 2016, “Talk Easy” has become one of the most celebrated and listened to podcasts of the decade, offering listeners unprecedented access to some of the most compelling voices across arts, culture, and politics. Fragoso’s interviews have been celebrated for their thoughtful approach, featuring conversations with luminaries including Gloria Steinem, Cate Blanchette, Noam Chomsky, Francis Ford Copola, Jesse Eisenberg, Questlove, Joaquin Phoenix, and more.

“Sam Fragoso’s thoughtful interviews are a jewel in the podcasting world. We are so honored to have him and the Talk Easy team as part of the Lemonada creator community,” said Jessica Cordova Kramer, CEO of Lemonada Media. “Talk Easy’ embodies the kind of deep, meaningful conversations that transform how we understand each other.”

Since launching in 2019, Lemonada has quickly established itself as a leading independent podcast network, reaching millions of listeners per month. The network has created and launched chart-topping original series such as “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfus,” which spent 29 days straight at #1 overall on the Apple Podcast charts. “Fail Better with David Duchovny,” which launched to #1 in Society and Culture on Apple Podcast chars, Gracie award-winners “Last Day,” “Believe Her,” “Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe” and more.

Talk Easy is Executive Produced by Karoine Ribak and Janicza Bravo (Zola, The Listeners). This deal was brokered by Josh Lindgren at CAA.