Announcing The European Podcast Academy

WePod is proud to announce the launch of the European Podcast Academy, a unique five-day educational event dedicated to advancing the art of podcasting. Taking place in Milan from March 17 to 21, 2025, the Academy will welcome 50 participants from all over Europe for a deep dive into the world of journalistic podcasting.

This exclusive program is designed with journalists with experience in audio production and podcast professionals with a background in journalism. The Academy will offer a comprehensive curriculum covering key aspects of podcasting, including pre-production, writing, storytelling, sound design, and the ethical considerations of audio journalism.

“We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented minds in podcasting of this one-of-a-kind educational experience,” said Andrea Knezevic, Communication Manager at WePod.

“The European Podcast Academy will provide participants with the tools and knowledge they need to create compelling, impactful stories.”

Highlights of the European Podcast Academy

Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from industry leaders, including renowned podcast producers, journalists, and sound designers.

Hands-On Workshops: Engage in practical sessions that take you from concept to development to the final production of your podcast.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that will elevate your podcasting career.

In-Depth Learning: Gain valuable insights into monetization, distribution, community building, and the latest trends in audio journalism.

Key Details:

Dates: March 17-21, 2015

Location: Milan, Italy

Cost: Workshop participation is free. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Application Deadline: Applications open on October 7, 2024

About WePod:

WePod is a collaborative initiate the connects and empowers podcast creators across Europe. Through innovative programs and events like the European Podcast Academy, WePod aims to support the growth of high-quality audio journalism and storytelling.

Magellan AI Promotes Jim Ballas To General Manager, Measurement

Magellan AI, the leader in audio intelligence, analytics, and measurement, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Ballas to GM, Measurement. In this role, Ballas will oversee the company’s growing suite of measurement solutions, further solidifying Magellan AI’s position as the go-to resource for podcast ad verification, brand safety, and attribution.

Jim brings with him over a decade of leadership experience in podcast and broadcast advertising technology, and production. Since joining Magellan AI in 2022, he has been instrumental in launching and expanding the company’s measurement offerings, helping to develop transformative solutions that meet the evolving needs of advertisers and publishers alike.

Jess Robine, SVP Media & Operations at Veritone One said, “Jim has been a meaningful contributor to the business of podcasting throughout his career, and it’s no surprise that he’s elevating podcast attribution with expansion to cross-channel measurement that properly values audio. I’m excited to continue to work together with Jim and the Magellan AI team to deliver high-quality measurement and insights that our teams and advertisers can rely on.”

Jim’s leadership has been key to scaling innovations like Reach Lift, which measures the incremental reach added by podcast campaigns. This tool allows advertisers to evaluate the true effectiveness of their audio campaigns, in order to connect with new audiences and optimize media spend.

Further, Jim has pioneered incremental lift analysis to help brands measure the true impact of their audio campaigns. Using Magellan AI’s pixel-based trackers, conventions from both exposed and unexposed audiences are captured and aggregated. The resulting performance reports give advertisers clear insights into how their campaigns drive response and conversation compared to control groups.

“Jim has played a pivotal role in the growing success of our attribution business,” said Cameron Hendrix, CEO of Magellan AI. “His deep understanding of the industry and strong leadership make him the perfect fit to lead our measurement initiatives as we continue to grow. We’re thrilled to promote Jim to General Manager for our Measurement business.”

About Magellan AI

Magellan AI is the all-in-one platform for podcast advertising intelligence, media planning, and measurement. Magellan AI has created the world’s largest database of podcast advertising data, covering over 50,000 podcasts. 

Advertiser and agency media buyers rely on Magellan AI’s podcast media planning and measurement platform to discover, connect with, and analyze the performance of podcasts, streaming audio, and YouTube. Publishers trust Magellan AI to grow ad sales with intelligence and performance measurement, drive content acquisition, and streamline ad ops. Learn more at https://www.magellian.ai

Triton Digital Releases The Australian Podcast Ranker For October 2024

Triton Digital, the global technology and services leader to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries, announced the release of the October 2024 Australian Podcast Ranker. 

The Ranker provides insights into the Top Publishers in Australia, and the Top Sales Representatives in Australia from October 1 through October 31, 2024, as measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service.

The Top Podcast Ranker and Top 200 Australian-Made Ranker are ranked by monthly listeners, in accordance with the latest IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines. 

For this reporting period, the top three publishers were ARN/iHeart again at #1, LiSTNR (SCA) again at #2, and Australian Broadcasting Corporation again at #3.

The top three podcasts for both the Top Podcast Ranker and Top 200 Australian-Made Ranker included Hamish & Andy (LiSTNR (SCA)) again at #1, Casefile True Crime (Audioboom) at #2, and ABC News Top Stories (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) at #3.

The Top Podcast Ranker saw many debuts in the month of October, which included Missing Niamh (Audioboom), Kill List (Wondery), Call Her Daddy (SiriusXM Podcast Network), Take Me To Your Leader! (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), The Kick It Forward Podcast (Clubby Sports), and more.

Menendez Vs Monsters (Podshape), Where’s Your Head At? (NOVA Entertainment), and SACKED: AFL (News Corp Australia) debuted in the Top 200 Australian-Made Ranker.

Inherited (Shameless Media), Rotten Apple (Nine Radio), and Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate (RSN Racing & Sport) debuted for both the Top 200 Australian-Made Ranker and Top Podcast Ranker.

Triton Digital is set to introduces a new ranker capability that will rank the podcast category by monthly listener and integrate Triton Demos+ data will include 10 audience characteristics, such as: Adults 18-24, Adults 24-39. Adults 25-54, Female 25-54, Male 25-54, Parent with child (<18), Podcast < weekly, Radio streamed – past month, YouTube – past week, and TV catch-up – past week; as well as the index versus the monthly podcasts 18+ population against each of the characteristics. The data will serve to further help inform buying decisions.

To view the full results of this Ranker, participate in the ranker or sign up to receive future rankers, please visit: http://australianpodcastranker.com/

Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics measurement service is certified by the IAB Tech Lab as complying with Version 2.1 of the IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines. It provides accurate and insightful data around how, when, and where podcast content is being consumed across multiple hosting platforms with the ability to view metrics by date range, location, device, podcast name, episode, title, and more.

Ai|Coustics Partners With Sieve To Build AI Ecosystems

ai|coustics is pleased to announce our new partnership with Sieve, a leading AI infrastructure platform focused on video and audio data.

Key Takeaways

We will integrate our audio and speech enhancement models into Sieve’s platform offering new studio-quality audio for Sieve’s customers.

Together with Sieve, we help companies and creators large and small navigate the complex map of AI products out there to find the tools they need for their work.

Our API makes it easy to integrate the highest quality audio tools into your platforms and hardware.

Announcing Our New Partnership with Sieve

It’s great to be able to to share the news with our community that going forward, Sieve developers will enjoy the high quality sound and easy speech enhancement from ai|coustics, directly through Sieve’s platform.

Sieve is integrating our models to their platform. Sieve’s developers will enjoy the high quality sound and easy speech enhancement from ai|coustics, directly through Sieve’s platform.

Sieve is integrating our models into their platform. Sieve’s platform specializes in video content, making it easy to understand, manipulate, and generate video at scale using AI-powered technology. Now, that same ecosystem will have studio-quality sound courtesy of the ai|coustics speech enhancement tools.

That means:

No background noise

No room reverb

Clear and easy to understand voices

A reconstructive technology that preserves speaker identity

Easy customization for your lever of speech enhancement

Sieve CEO Mokshith Voodarla says, “We’re excited to bring ai|coustics’ Lark and Finch models into the Sieve ecosystem, making it easier than ever for Sieve developers to enhance video and audio files with state-of-the-art quality.”

Who Is Sieve?

Sieve is a developer platform to understand, manipulate, and generate video or audio at scale. The company offers production-grade pipelines for a variety of use cases along with flexible infrastructure to deploy custom pipelines as well. Their clients include leading content creation, communication, and social platforms — who tap into Sieve’s ecosystem to build AI-powered products.

Ad Results Media Hires R3’s Stein To Accelerate The Future Of Audio

Ad Results Media (ARM), a leading audio and podcast media agency working with brands like Molson Coors, BetterHelp, ZipRecruiter and LiquidDeath, is expanding its leadership team with the hire of Craig Stein as SVP of Media Planning, effective immediately. 

Based in New York, Stein will expand ARM’s leadership in working with audio creators, while supporting clients across full-funnel audio strategy, media planning and buying, performance, and measurement as the space continues to grow and attract advertising spend.

Stein joins ARM with over two decades of experience at both independent agencies and global networks, with expertise in full-funnel, omnichannel media strategy and activation for brands like Google, Airbnb, American Express and Unilever. 

For the past four years, he led media pitches, audits and transformational projects at consultancy R3, working with clients including Nike, LEGO and Molson Coors. Previously, he held positions at Wavemaker, Essence, The Media Kitchen, Mindshare, and OMD Worldwide, working with brands across technology, financial services, pharmaceutical & healthcare, travel & hospitality, telecommunication, alcohol & spirits, and consumer packaged goods.

“As the media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented and personalized, ARM has emerged as a leader in harnessing the power and impact of audio and creator marketing,” said Stein. “The foundation ARM has built in this space is not only impressive, it’s distinct — and that’s what excites me so much about the opportunity ahead and for our team to continue to lead in the audio creator economy.”

Stein joins ARM’s leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Jordan Fox.

TED Audio Collective Taps Acast As Ad Sales, Hosting and Distribution Partner

Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company announced a new partnership with TED Audio Collective. Under the terms of the deal, Acast is the exclusive ad sales, hosting, and distribution partner for the brand in all regions outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The TED Audio Collective is home to 26 hit podcasts across business, tech, health and wellness, and a variety of other genres. Each year, the network garners 176 million listens globally through popular titles such as TED Talks Daily, How to be a Better Human, TED Business, TED en Español, and more.

“The TED brand is synonymous with excellence and is a known destination for the curious. The addition of the entire TED Audio Collective to Acast brings a massive and highly engaged global audience — and importantly monetizable listens— for advertisers around the world to connect with” said Acast CEO Ross Adams.

According to Podcast Pulse, a recent report from Acast and Dentus with Edison Research, 92% of podcast listeners tune in to podcasts to learn more about specific topics. Additionally, 80% listen to niche podcasts with content made for people with specific interests. Among these niche podcast listeners, 94% have taken action after hearing a podcast ad.

“At TED, we are dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation across our global network,” said Alan Seiffert, Head of Global Business Development at TED. “With Acast’s leading ad tech tools and partnerships, we’re confident that this partnership will help to continue to scale the TED Audio Collective around the world.”

To learn more about the TED Audio Collective and how to begin advertising across these and other Acast podcasts, please contact @acast.com

RadioActive Media Sets Itself Apart With High-Profile Influences Powering Podcast And Radio Campaigns

RadioActive Media is redefining the landscape of direct response marketing by tapping into the power of well-known audio influencers to endorse RadioActive Media ensures that it’s clients’s messages resonate with engaged audiences in an authentic, impactful way.

This strategic focus on influencer-driven content sets RadioActive Media apart from traditional marketing firms, offering a level of credibility to reach that few can match. To further amplify this unique approach, RadioActive Media has launched an eye-catching outdoor billboard campaign across Southern California, including Los Angeles and Orange County, highlighting the close relationship with the influential voices behind their campaigns.

“At RadioActive Media, we know that audio marketing to be one of the most effective marketing mediums. In the US, audio reaches more than 271 million people weekly. That’s more than social media and digital media combined! RadioActive Media believe that if we did not put our money where our mouth is, how could prospective clients expect to utilize the medium?” Said Jeff Pollak, Co-Founder of Radioactive Media. “By having icons like Michael Smerconish, Bill Maher, Brian Kilmeade, and Chris Cuomo voice spots for us, we’re not only highlighting our relationships with these influential futures but also reinforcing the tangible impact of the campaigns we create.”

Why RadioActive Media is Different:

Influencer-Driven Campaigns: RadioActive Media partners with some of the most recognized and trusted names in media, including Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Michael Smerconish, Chris Cuomo, Bill Mahar, and Brian Kilmeade. These influential voices, alongside past collaborators like Adam Carolla, Thom Hartmann, Howard Stern and Stephanie Miller, add authenticity and star power to every campaign, ensuring clients receive maximum visibility.

Tailored Advertising Solutions: Unlike one-size-fits-all agencies, we take the time to get to know your business, your goals, and your audience. Our hands-on, customized approach ensures that every campaign is strategically designed to maximize impact and meet your unique needs.

Proven Value & Results: At RadioActive Media, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing, transparent packages, and exceptional value for every advertising dollar spent. Our clients see results — whether that’s increased brand awareness, higher engagement, or improved conversions, we’re committed to making every campaign a success.

Real-Time Collaboration: We go beyond just executing a campaign; we work side-by-side with our clients to ensure that we’re consistently evolving and optimizing the campaign to achieve he best possible results. Our agency’s transparent communication and support ensure that clients feel confident throughout the entire process.

With our new billboards making waves across LA. and O.C., we invite businesses to experience the difference of working with a media firm that delivers results — backed by some of the most influential voices in the industry.

About RadioActive Media

RadioActive Media is a leading name in the media industry, specializing in podcast and radio. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, RadioActive Media strives to help their clients reach their target audiences effectively and efficiently. For more information, visit the website.

AI Audio Studio Wondercraft Launches Automated Ad Personalization In Partnership With Frequency

Wondercraft, the world’s first AI-powered creative audio studio, and leading audio management platform Frequency, have announced an integration to let brands and media publishers produce and deploy personalized audio ad campaigns.

This announcement introduces Variations, a new feature in Wondercraft’s creative suite to enable automated creation of ad variations and personalization based on audience data signals. The integration creates the industry’s first seamless workflow from Wondercraft’s creative studio to Frequency’s dynamic campaign deployment, dramatically reducing the time and cost traditionally associated with personalized audio advertising.

The new workflow begins Wondercraft’s studio, where users can write, produce and edit their narrative audio using the AI-powered tools. The new Variations feature then allows users to craft multiple variations by adding alternative copy or using AI to generate hundreds of variations.

These versions can then be seamlessly exported to Frequency’s platform for campaign deployment and optimization, where users can trigger different variations of their ads based on real-time data signals including location, whether, time of day, audience demographics, and more than 35 other data signals. This high level of personalization allows advertisers to deliver personalized creative and relevant messages to their targets audiences, improving engagement and campaign effectiveness.

Oskar Serrander, co-founder at Wondercraft, comments:

“The audio industry is full of creative potential, but creative production and asset coordination for ads and host-reads are holding it back. By partnering with a creative audio production platform like Wondercraft, we are removing these long-standing barriers as we evolve the Frequency audio management platform to more publishers and brands. I believe this partnership marks a monumental shift towards an audio industry that is not only faster and more creative for advertisers and publishers, but smoother for all parties to better manage the day-to-day operation of ad campaigns.”

Pete Jimison, CEO and founder of Frequency, comments:

“As early adopters of both Wondercraft and Frequency, we’ve experienced firsthand how these technologies are revolutionizing audio advertising. This integration marks a major shift in how we serve our clients. It gives us the ability to provide unmatched creative flexibility, precise targeting with dynamic ads, and simplified campaign management. This is cutting-edge technology at its best: advertisers achieve better results, publishers enjoy higher engagement, and listeners receive more relevant ads. It’s the kind of innovation our industry needs.”

This partnership represents another step forward in both companies’ missions to bring millions of new brands and voices into the audio industry by way of creativity and workflow innovation for brands, agencies, and publishers.

The Variations feature is available today for all Wondercraft Enterprise users and can be used with the Frequency Creative Manager.

 

True Native Media Welcomes Angie Trueblood As New Account Executive

True Native Media, a leading podcast representation firm, is excited to announce the addition of Angie Trueblood as Account Executive. With a wealth of experience in the podcasting industry, Angie will play a key role in helping True Native Media continue to expand its client offerings foster deeper connections between podcasters and advertisers.

Before joining True Native Media, Angie founded The Podwize Group in 2021, an evolution of her freelance business launched in 2017. Originally created to help connect female business owners with podcast hosts in complementary spaces, The Podwize Group quickly gained a reputation for its ability to balance the needs of podcast guests, hosts, and listeners.

Angie’s expertise and unique approach to guesting led her to expand her business, offering full-service support to entrepreneurs seeking to integrate podcasts into their content marketing and visibility strategies.

As The Podwize Group grew, Angie recognized an opportunity to support clients at a deeper level not only by securing podcast guest appearances but by helping them integrate podcasting as a central component of their marketing strategy. With her comprehensive understanding of the podcast landscape and the need of both business owners and media outlets, Angie’s experience and skills align seamlessly with her new role at True Native Media.

Over the coming weeks, The Podwise Group will evolve into an online education platform, offering training and resources to empower business owners, subject matter experts, and leaders to strategically grow their impact through podcast interviews.

Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Angie spent several years at AstraZeneca, where she worked as an Executive Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. Her experience in sales, client management, and relationship-building, combined with her passion for podcasting, makes her an invaluable addition to the True Native Media team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Angie to True Native Media,” said Heather Osgood, CEO of True Native Media.

“Her vast experience in the podcasting world, along with her unique ability to connect with both clients and media partners, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the podcast advertising space.”

In her role as Account Executive, Angie will work closely with True Native Media’s clients to identify new podcast advertising opportunities and ensure successful partnerships that drive measurable results. She will also help lead the strategic development of content solutions that maximize brand visibility through podcast advertising.

About True Native Media

True Native Media is a leading podcast representation firm dedicated to connecting podcasters with advertisers to create impactful and engaging content. Through innovative advertising solutions, True Native Media enables brands to effectively reach their target audiences in the thriving podcasting ecosystem.

Podcast Hall of Fame Announces New Board of Governor Members

The Podcast Hall of Fame, started in 2015, is excited to welcome eight distinguished podcasting and digital media leaders as its new board of governor members.

This new board of governor group includes Todd Cochrane, Dave Jackson, Luria Petucci, Rob Greenlee, Glynn Washington, Danny Peña, Nick Pavlidis, and Gautam Raj Anand, each brining a unique perspective and wealth of experience to the organization.

Their appointments signify a bold step forward for the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com) in partnership with PodfestExpo.com, which continues to honor excellence and creator success stories in podcasting. The Hall of Fame supports sharing valuable success experiences and inspiration with newer creators to fuel the industry’s future growth and expand its global reach.

Most board members are Podcast Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing their remarkable contributions to the media, Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of Podcast Hall of Fame, PodcastHall.com, a 20-year/podcast/radio creator and executive in the podcasting medium, leader the new board, guiding this accomplished team in fostering innovation, supporting creators, and building a solid foundation for the next generation of podcasters.

With an increased focus on international expansion and including, the Hall of Fame is committed to recognizing podcasters worldwide, spotlighting diverse voices, and welcoming inductees who bring unique cultural perspectives to the medium.

The including of global representatives such as as Gautam Raj Anand, a leader in podcasting at Hubhopper.crom across South Asia, emphasizes the Podcast Hall of Fame’s dedication to reaching new audiences and celebrating the global impact of podcasting.

Hall of Fame Eligibility and Induction Criteria

The Podcast Hall of Fame seeks to recognize individuals who have profoundly impacted the podcasting industry. The criteria for entry into the Hall of Fame combine 1) mainstream popularity and peer recognition as 2) excellent podcaster or industry contributor and 3) excellence in the medium, which is positively coupled with historical significance.

Candidates for inclusion should demonstrate contributions in all three categories or be outstanding in one or two categories in such a way that they merit inclusion.

To be eligible, a nominee must have at least five years since their first involvement in podcasting. While longevity is necessary, it is not a qualification in itself; candidates are celebrated for the depth of their influence and contributions to the industry, not merely for the time served.

The induction selection process involves an extensive list of nominations, and all board members and past inductees vote from a comprehensive list of nominees who meet the eligibility criteria. Nominees fall into two groups: 1) primarily podcasters and 2) those wo contribute to building the podcasting medium as a podcaster or not.

New HOF Board of Governor Members

Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry Podcasting and host of Geek News Central podcast, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. A long-time advocate for podcaster rights, Todd has been instrumental in developing industry standards. With a passion for building tools that empower creators, Todd brings invaluable insights to the board on the technical and community-driven aspects of podcasting.

Dave Jackson, Head of Podcasting at the School of Podcasting and PodPage, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2018. Known for his expertise in education and mentorship, Dave has guided countless aspiring creators and is a respected voice in podcast training. His deep understanding of audience engagement and content creation will be invaluable to the board.

Luria Petrucci, co-founder of Live Streaming Pros, is a respected live streaming and video podcasting future who was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022 for her time as host of GeekBriefTV. With over a decade of experience, her expertise in audience building and engaging with communities in real-time brings an essential dimension to the board’s vision of expanding podcasting’s reach across multiple media.

Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com), co-host of the New Media Show, Host of Podcast Tips Show, and 20-year veteran in radio/podcasting, has been a pioneering force in he podcasting space since its earlier days when he started podcasting in Sept. 2004. Former Founding Chairperson/Board Member of The Podcast Academy (Ambies Awards). Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2017, Rob’s experience spans multiple facets of the industry, from content creation to distribution, audience growth, and monetization. His industry knowledge and thought leadership are assets to the Hall of Fame’s mission.

Glynn Washington, creator and host of the critically acclaimed Snap Judgment podcast, brings a fresh perspective to the board. Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022, he is known for his narrative storytelling and focus on diverse perspectives. Glynn’s creative vision and dedication to storytelling add an essential dimension to the Hall of Fame’s mission to amplify diverse voices in podcasting.

Danny Peña, host of Gamertag Radio, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. As a pioneer in gaming podcasts, Danny has built a large, engaged community and is known for his dedication to fostering positive podcasting experiences. His community-centric approach and understanding of audience dynamics make him a valuable addition to the board.

Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest, is known for his community-building and event management expertise. He has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment for podcasters through Podfest. His leadership has helped podcasters connect, learn, and grow, making him a valuable advocate of creators and a respected leader. His commitment to supporting the industry’s development and encouraging new voices will be invaluable to the board.

Gautam Raj Anand, founder of HubHopper, one of India’s leading podcasting platforms, represents the growing global impact of podcasting. As a pioneer in podcasting across South Asia, Gautam’s experience in reaching new audiences internationally will help the Hall of Fame champion podcasting as a global medium.