Month: April 2025

Acast Teams Up With Supercast To Help Podcasters Maximize Subscription Revenue

~ jen

Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company, announces a strategic partnership with Supercast, the leading subscription platform for podcasters. This partnership will provide Acast podcasters with seamless access to to Supercast’s suite of tools to create and grow their subscription programs, offering paying listener a combination of exclusive audio and video content, ad-free feeds, and the ability to engage with other fans.

Acast has selected Supercast as a preferred subscription partner to provide podcasters with a high-converting, flexible and user-friendly subscription experience. Through this partnership, podcasters who sign up for Supercast via Acast will receive priority onboarding, dedicated creator support and expert growth advice.

Supercast is the subscription partner of choice for leading podcasts including Pod Save America, My Favorite Murder, This American Life, Huberman Lab and Canadaland. Purpose-built to maximize creator revenue and subscriber engagement, Supercast offers flexible membership tiers, multi-show subscriptions for podcast networks, native video support alongside premium audio, and detailed analytics to scale recurring revenue.

“At Acast, we empower our creators to build sustainable businesses,” said Sophie Herdman, Global Partnerships Director at Acast. “This partnership with Supercast give them even greater flexibility to connect with their audience and earn revenue in the way that best aligns with their own unique advertising and makes us a pretty unbeatable home for dedicated podcasters.”

Jason Sew Hoy, CEO and Co-founder of Supercast added: “Supercast is the subscription platform of choice for the world’s most well-monetized podcasters. We’ve helped countless creators migrate from other subscription platforms and, in many cases, double or even triple their subscription revenue. Acast podcaster will have the tools, strategies, and hands-on expertise to accelerate subscription growth like never before.”

As part of this new initiative, Acasat will be sunsetting its own Acast+ membership program and working closely with existing Acast+ podcasters to help them seamlessly transition to Supercast, ensuring continuity and unlocking greater growth opportunities.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been building the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, creating the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans more than 140,000 podcasts, 3,300 advertisers, and one billion quarterly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized whenever they happen — across any podcast app or listening platform.

About Supercast

Supercast is the preferred podcast subscription platform for the most well-monetized podcasts in the world, allowing them to generate millions of revenue while retaining 100% ownership of their subscriber relationships. The platform delivers exclusive content to paid subscribers wherever they want it, with native video support and connecting seamlessly to any podcast player. Supercast’s top 10 podcasters gross more than $21 million per year from subscriptions alone. For more information, visit https://supercast.com

Audion Launches Sense – New AI Powered Tool Predicts Impact of Audio Ads Before Broadcast

~ jen

European digital audio specialist Audion launches Sense, an AI-powered evaluation tool that enables pre-campaign analysis of audio creatives. This advance audit enables ads to be optimized before they go live to improve their effectiveness and maximize campaign performance.

Creativity accounts for 50% of a campaign’s success. Brands deploying Audion’s Sense can assess an refine audio creatives before they are broadcast to ensure this core element of their campaign delivers value through strong specific messaging from day one. This is the first time AI has been used to deliver a results-driven approach to audio advertising.

Sense combines multiple key performance indicators (KPIs) into a single global impact score for any audio spot. Advertisers can also access in-depth analysis of individual KPI;s to understand responses such as how receptive the target audience is to the ad, and the emotional impact it delivers.

“Sense is the first time artificial intelligence, creativity, and outcome-driven thinking have been combined more than 3,000 audio campaigns to provide in-depth understanding of campaign success factors; this allows it to identify best practices and predict likely audience responses.

“Sense is the first time artificial intelligence, creativity, and outcome-driven thinking have been combined to help brands create more effective audio campaigns. As well as providing a creative audio, Sense demonstrates our commitment to empowering advertisers with tools tailored to the unique requirements of digital audio,” says Geoffrey Fossier, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Audion.

The launch of Sense sees Audion strengthen its position as a market leader in innovation and continue its stated remit to help brands adopt a data-driven, creative, and high performance approach to digital audio.

Sense is available today to all Audion partners.

Live 365 Expands To Mexico, Bringing In All-In-One Internet Radio To Millions More Broadcasters And Listeners

~ jen

Live365, the one-stop shop for internet radio stations, launched broadcasting and listening services in Mexico, rounding out its North American offering. The company announced the news at the 2025 NAB show in Las Vegas. Because the expansion includes comprehensive bundled licensing, broadcasters can now reach listeners in Mexico via the Live365 website, apps, Alexa Skill, TV apps, and more.

Live365 has secured licensing agreements with Mexican rights organization SOMEXFON and EMMAC/SACM (Editores Mexicanos de Música and Sociedad de Autores y Compistores de México), allowing broadcasters to legally stream into Mexico without having to secure those rights themselves. 

Live365 welcomes all existing and future Mexico broadcasters to the platform, which includes built-in licensing coverage and distribution, reliable stream hosting, station management tools and detailed analytics, world-class customer service, and more. This makes Live365 an ideal solution for terrestrial radio stations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and individual creators looking to effectively broadcast and monetize their content online. 

“Launching in Mexico is a milestone for Live365 – not just expanding broadcaster reach but also embracing the dynamic culture of Mexico on our platform,” said Jason Stoddard, President of Live365. “Thanks to strategic licensing partners with EMMAC/SACM and SOMEXFON, we’re providing streamlined, bundled licensing coverage that empowers radio stations and creators to innovate and connect like never before.”

To further support broadcasters in Mexico, Live365 has secured distribution via iHeartRadio Mexico through a strategic partnership with Grupo ACIR. This complements the iHeartRadio U.S. distribution also bundled in the Premium packages — broadening the audience base to millions more listeners across both territories.

IT Director for Grupo ACIR and iHeartRadio México Project Leader Manuel Pérez del Castillo added, “We’re excited to welcome Live365 to iHeartRadio in Mexico and confident that our listeners will enjoy the variety and quality of the new stations that will be available for all our users.”

In coordination with the launch, Live365 has also partnered with radio imaging and programming provider Radio Express to offer an exclusive discount on Live365 packages to existing and new Radio Express customers. This partnership opens new doors for traditional radio stations looking to expand their reach beyond terrestrial signals and into the digital space.

“Radio Express has been a trusted partner to Mexican radio for over 40 years, so we understand the challenges broadcasters face in staying competitive,” said Paul Hollins, CEO of Radio Express. “With digital listening growing worldwide, it’s more important than ever for stations to go beyond FM and AM and become truly multi-platform. This collaboration with Live365 makes that shift more accessible and cost-effective than ever, helping broadcasters reach new audiences without all the user complexity.”

Current Live365 broadcasters now have additional Mexico listening bundled in their existing Broadcast packages at no additional cost. Broadcasters in Mexico can now sign up at live365.com/broadcaster/es and start streaming on Live365. Listeners in Mexico can browse thousands of stations streaming live right now and tune in at live365.com/es/.

Earworm Secures £200,000 Pre-Seed Investment To Accelerate Ambitious Growth Plans

~ jen

Earworm, a Bristol-based podcast agency specializing in audio and video podcast content, has secured a £200,000 pre-seed investment from Stephen Fordham, co-founder of requirement firm Morgan Hunt. Earworm partners with businesses to create high-quality, ongoing podcast content that becomes a cornerstone of their marketing strategy, supported by guest booking and targeted advertising.

Since launching two years ago Earworm has built a strong reputation for storytelling and amplifying business messages through podcasts. This investment is the first step in an ambitious five-year plan to expand into the US market and grow the UK-based team. Stephen Fordham, co-founder of Morgan Hunt – a recruitment firm generating £48.5 million annually as of 2024 – joins Earworm as Chairman, offering valuable experience in business scaling and strategic growth.

Ben Farley, CEO of Earworm, commented: “This investment will enable us to accelerate growth in the US, explore strategic acquisitions, introduce advanced analytics services, and hire talented individuals to support our growth plans. It reflects the hard work and dedication our team has shown in bringing this exciting new marketing channel to businesses, helping them rethink how they connect with their customers.”

Alison Berryman, Partner and Lawyer at BizTech Lawyers, supported Earworm throughout the investment process. Alison commented: “It has been fantastic to support Ben and the Earworm team during this important growth stage. I’m excited to see the company build on this momentum and achieve further growth.”

With global podcast advertising spend projected to surpass £3 billion by 2026 (CAGR ~15%), Earworm’s specialized approach ensures businesses capitalize on this momentum, making podcasts a measurable, profitable part of their marketing strategies.  

Produce Your Podcast Launch The Expat Experience

~ jen

Produce Your Podcast is proud to announce the launch of The Expat Experience Podcast. Dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and a fresh start in paradise? Welcome to The Expat Experience: San Carlos, Mexico Edition, the podcast that takes you through every step of relocating, living, and thriving in Mexico’s coastal paradise, San Carlos.  

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a new chapter abroad or actively planning your move, this podcast is your essential guide to understanding expat life in one of Mexico’s most picturesque towns.

Hosted by Robert DeForge, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience in the real estate market, this podcast offers firsthand knowledge and practical insight. Robert’s journey from a real estate agent and construction expert to become a passionate San Carlos resident gives him a unique perspective on the process — and now, he’s here to share his experience with you.

“The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition” goes beyond a simple how-to guide. If you’re planning to retire, work remotely or invest in you dream vacation home, this podcast is packed with valuable insights tailored for anyone interested in making the move. You’ll learn how to navigate Mexico’s unique real estate landscape with tips on purchasing property, understanding legal requirements like fideicomisos (trusts), and working with local agents. 

Whether you’re looking at luxury beachfront homes or affordable homes or affordable neighborhoods, Robert walks you through every detail to ensure a smooth buying process.

We’ll also dive into the daily realities of expat life in San Carlos, exploring the cost of living, essential services, and the beauty of coastal living. Robert will guide you through the legal and financial essentials of moving to Mexico, covering topics like visas, residency permits, taxes, and navigating the Mexican legal system, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Moving to a new country comes with challenges, and this podcast is here to make the transition easier by providing practical solutions for overcoming obstacles such as cultural adaptation, homesickness, bureaucracy, and language barriers.

Building a community is essential for any expat, and Robert shares his tips on how to meet other expats, join local clubs, and get involved in San Carlos’ vibrant social scene. For families, we’ll over advice on educational options for children, family-friendly activities, and healthcare services. You’ll also learn how to balance work and family life abroad, especially if you’re working remotely.

Beyond the practicalities, we’ll explore the adventures San Carlos has to offer. Whether its boating, fishing, diving, hiking or enjoying local festival and cultural attractions, Rober provides insider tips to make the most of your new surroundings.

Every episode of “The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition” is packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and stories from people just like you who’ve taken the leap to start a new life in Mexico. Hosted by Robert DeForge, this show is your trusted guide to making the dream of living in San Carlos a reality. Tune in and let Robert help you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting new chapter in paradise.

Ilwira Marcizek Named EVP Revenue Operations For AdLarge & The fwd.network

~ jen

AdLarge and the fwd. network proudly announce the promotion of Ilwira Marciszek to Executive Vice President, Revenue Operations. In this expanded leadership role, Ilwira will continue to oversee all digital operations while spearheading strategic initiatives to strengthen partnerships and drive revenue growth.

With 18 years of media experience, Ilwira has been at the forefront of the technological evolution of podcast advertising, playing a pivotal role in scaling AdLarge and the fwd. network’s digital business. She has been instrumental in forging key partnerships, optimizing sales operations, and ensuring seamless execution of revenue strategies. Now in her 14th year with AdLarge, Ilwira’s expertise in sales operations, technology, and partner relationships has been a driving force behind the company’s sustained success.

“Ilwira has been an integral part of AdLarge’s growth and success,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Her strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and relentless commitment to innovation have propelled our digital revenue and operations forward. As we expand, her continued leadership will be invaluable in shaping the future of our digital business.”

“Stepping into this role to drive innovation and revenue growth is a tremendous opportunity,” said Ilwira. “Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our revenue strategies, partnerships, and operations. As the industry evolves, we remain focused on exceeding advertiser expectations while delivering the revenue and support our creators deserve. I’m committed to leading our talented teams in developing and executing strategic initiatives that will propel AdLarge, the fwd. network, and our clients forward.”

About AdLarge & the fwd. network

AdLarge Media dominates audio advertising as a premier sales powerhouse, connecting creators, brands, and audiences. With a portfolio reaching over 200 million listeners globally, AdLarge is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and amplifying women’s voices, content, and audiences through the fwd. Podcast network. Powered by an elite team of podcasting, radio, and streaming experts, AdLarge delivers unmatched results for a vast range of advertisers—from Fortune 500 heavyweights to bold, emerging DTC brands. AdLarge is your ultimate partner in conquering the audio and video world. Discover more at adlarge.com.

iHeartMedia To Launch Slate Of iHeartPodcasts In Asia

~ jen

iHeartMedia, the No.1 podcast network globally according to Podtrac, announced its plan to launch a slate of multi-language podcasts from high-profile hosts across the fast-growing Asian market. The pus into the Asian Pacific (APAC) region will be in partnership with Mammoth Media Asia, who will spearhead the partnerships and production on the ground.

The Asia Pacific podcast market was valued at US $373.57 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30.2% to $3.1 billion value from 2024 to 2031, driving by rising internet penetration and increasing digital content consumption in China, Japan, India and South Korea according to Cognitive Market Research.

The influence of Asian culture has been growing rapidly around the world and the initial podcast slate will focus on presenting high-profile talent from across the Asian entertainment industries ranging from K-pop, to Bollywood, to China’s hip-hop scene and beyond. The podcasts will highlight the most exciting personalities, cultural trends and issues from the region featuring categories in music, entertainment, sports, wellness and business, and will be available in Asia and on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. The slate is expected to launch in June 2025.

In addition to producing original podcast content in Asia, this new partnership will also focus on extending the reach of iHeartPodcasts current catalogue of 800+ shows across Asia. iHeartMedia will work with the premiere distribution platforms and partners to bring iHeartPodcasts extensive range of engaging and influential podcasts to the widest Asian audience, unlocking opportunities for advertisers and brands throughout the region.

“We’ve seen the strong growth of the Asian markets – both on a domestic level and with influence across global markets and we are excited to partner with Mammoth Media Asia to launch the first-ever slate of iHeartPodcasts developed in Asia.,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group. “We believe that together with Jonathan and Jay, we can develop groundbreaking audio content in Asia that can reach audience around the world.”

Jonathan Serbin, co-founder of Mammoth Media Aisa said: “We are thrilled to partner with iHeartMedia to develop and distribute world-class podcasts. Asian culture — including music, movies, TV drama, food and fashion – have become a major influence across the globe. We are excited to work with top talent and compelling storytellers to share their tales and experiences with a worldwide wide audience.”

Jay Farires, co-founder of Mammoth Media Asia added: “Podcasting across Asia has been growing rapidly over the last five years. It’s already a major force in the domestic audio markets and will continue to expand. We believe that by partnering with iHeart and accessing their unparalleled assets, distribution capabilities, reach, analytics and advertising network, we can become a significant part of this growing industry, enabling podcasters from Asia to access a worldwide audience.”

iHeartPodcasts produces thousands of shows across a wide variety of genres, that span every category from business, sports, spiritually and technology, to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between.

Mammoth Media Asia was recently founded and launched by Jonathan Serbin and Jay Faires. Jonathan Serbin was most recently Co-President of Asia and CEO of Greater China of Warner Music, overseeing eleven countries / territories across the region and was formerly Head of Asia for Billboard.

Jay Faires oversees The Wellness Agency (TWA) which works with the most important founders in wellness helping them scale their company’s globally. He is a seasoned media executive and entrepreneur in the content business having successfully sold companies he founded and built to both The Walt Disney Company and Lionsgate.

The Glass Cannon Podcast Joins Realm In Exclusive Partnership

~ jen

Realm, a podcast first digital media network, announced that The Glass Cannon Podcast, the hit actual RPG podcast, has joined Realm. As part of the exclusive distribution deal, Realm will represent the show for ad sales.

Since launching in 2015, The Glass Cannon Podcast has set the gold standard for tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) entertainment, delivering immersive storytelling infused with irreverent humor and high-stakes gameplay. Originally built using Paizo’s Pathfinder system, the series has captivated fans with its compelling narratives, dynamic characters, and the infectious camaraderie of its cast. 

Following the conclusion of the first campaign in 2022, the podcast has continued to evolve, launching Campaign Two in 2023 with the Pathfinder Second Edition Gatewalkers Adventure Path.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Glass Cannon Podcast to Realm,” said Sarah Bentley, Realm’s Head of Network. “The Glass Cannon team has built an incredible community through their passion for gaming, storytelling, and pure entertainment. We’re excited to support them in growing their audience, bringing their one-of-a-kind adventures to even more fans as we continue expanding Realm’s footprint in the gaming entrainment space.”

Founded by CEO and host Troy Lavalee, along with network co-founders Joe O’Brian, Skid Maher, an Matthew Capodicasa, the Glass Cannon Podcast has expanded into a full RPG entertainment network. The cast of the flagship show also features fan-favorite players Sydney Amanuel and Kate Stamas, who bring their own unique energy to the show’s ever-evolving stories.

“Joining Realm at this exciting point in our company’s trajectory feels like a perfect match,” said Glass Cannon CEO Troy Lavalle. “There’s a reason the top names in media have flocked to Realm’s banner, and we look forward to the opportunity to take our unique brand of entertainment to the next level with them.”

This year marks a series of major milestones for The Glass Cannon Podcast, including a 12-city tour and a 10-year anniversary celebration and retreat this June in Las Vegas. This summer, fans can anticipate the finale of The Glass Cannon Podcast Campaign Two and the start of a new Campaign Three as well as the long-awaited third season of their Masks of Nyarlathotep campaign, Time For Chaos.

Additionally, The Glass Cannon Podcast will feature an interactive exhibition booth at Gen Con 2025 in Indianapolis. With multiple episodes released per week, The Glass Cannon Podcast continues to be a must-listen for tabletop RPG fans, blending deep narrative immersion with quick-witted banter an thrilling dice rolls. Fans can listen wherever they get their podcasts.

Arno Stephanian Joins Just 4 Feet Studio Advisory Board

~ jen

Just 4 Feet Studio is proud to announce that Arno Stephanian, an Emmy-winning sound professional with 14 years of experience in post-production sound, has joined its advisory board. His extensive expertise in sound editing, mixing, and immersive audio will be instrumental in shaping the studio’s future endeavors.

Arno has contributed to more than 195 films, TV series, games, and other media, collaborating with leading teams to deliver exceptional results on complex projects. His technical proficiency, combined with his creativity as a jazz musician, brings a unique perspective to sound design and storytelling.

A passionate advocate for “Sound Awareness,” Arno emphasizes that critical role of sound not only in post-production but also in pre-production, acting, writing, directing, picture editing, set design, casting, and even costume design. His work has been featured in acclaimed productions such as Shōgun, Ted Lasso, and Zootopia+, showcasing his mastery of Foley mixing and supervision at Skywalker Sound.

Arno’s depth of experience and forward-thinking approach to sound make him a perfect fit for our advisory board,” said Tiphany Kane, CEO of Just 4 Feet Studio. “His commitment to innovation in storytelling through sound will help us push creative boundaries and refine our approach to immersive audio experiences.”

In addition to his industry contributions, Arno is dedicated to mentoring future sound professionals sharing his knowledge through workshops and events that inspire the next generation of audio storytellers.

Just 4 Feet Studio is thrilled to welcome Arno Stephanian to its advisory board and looks forward to leveraging his experience as the studio continues to pioneer excellence in post-production sound.

Oxford Road And Edison Research Publish Landmark White Paper Defining Podcasting For The Future

~ jen

Oxford Road, the world’s leading audio and podcast advertising agency, in partnership with Edison Research, a global authority in media research, announces the release of their comprehensive white paper, “What is a Podcast?”: Preserving its Essence, Structuring for Expansion.”

The groundbreaking report reveals critical insights into how evolving listener habits, industry fragmentation, and ambiguity in podcast definitions are affecting podcasting’s future growth and commercial viability.

Despite podcasting’s rise as a multi-billion dollar industry with enormous cultural influence, the study identifies a significant identity crisis driven by the convergence of audio-only content and video formats popularized by platforms like YouTube and Spotify. According to the new data:

72% of Americans 12+ consider recordings people discussing any topic on YouTube that are also available as audio-only shows elsewhere to be a podcast.

Advertisers face significant barriers to investment due to inconsistent standards, fragmented reporting, and unclear attribution.

A clear, shared definition and interoperable measurement are urgently needed to realize podcasting’s full economic potential.

“Podcasting has reached a pivotal moment where the next phase of growth depends on how clearly we define and measure it,” says Dan Granger, CEO of Oxford Rod and Veritone One.
“What was once a niche, audio-driven medium is now fragmented across platforms, formats, and metrics. Our research shows that to preserve what made podcasting powerful and drive sustainable growth, we must create a unified standard that welcomes innovation while maintaining clarity.”

The white paper synthesizes extensive research, including a nationally representative survey of over 4000 people (conducted by Edison Research), qualitative interviews with listeners, and insights from over 30 leading industry executive featured on Oxford Road’s Media Roundtable podcast series. The report proposes new working definitions:

Podcast (noun): “An on demand audio-driven program featuring episodic content across wide-ranging themes and formats. Traditionally delivered via open RSS and conversational in nature, it can include platform-based distribution and is commonly supplemented by video.”

Video Podcast (noun): “An episodic, on demand program centered on spoken-word content, where synchronized visuals meaningfully shape the experience.”

The research underscores that resolving definitional ambiguity and measurement inconsistency could unlock billions of dollars in advertiser investment. To address these challenges, the paper calls for an industry-wide collaboration to develop an Open Measurement Protocol for Podcasting, advocating for interoperable, privacy-safe measurement standards and clear taxonomy across al platforms.