Author: jen

QCODE Taps Grammy-Winning Jacob Bronstein As EVP, Head Of Content

~ jen

QCODE, a premium content studio and podcast network, announced the appointment of the industry veteran Jacob Bronstein to the role of Executive Vice President, Head of Content. The move comes as QCODE eyes a strategic expansion into new formats and genres, building on the network’s distinctive entertainment IP. That garners over 100 million downloads across video and audio platforms.

In his new role, the former Apple and ByteDance executive will lead QCODE’s original content strategy, building on the company’s slate of acclaimed audio properties featuring A-List talent — including Matthew McConauhey, Kerry Washington, Demi Moore, Rami Malek, Toni Collette, Carey Mulligan, and Jon Hamm, among others — continuing QCODE’s expansion into new formats in the traditional audio and video spaces as well as their successful track record packaging IP for film and television.

Bronstein brings QCODE more than two decades of experience at the intersection of audio and digital media. He previously held leadership roles at ByteDance and Apple, where he launched the company’s first original audiobook program and led marketing for Apple Books, Apple News, and Apple Podcasts. 

He began his career at the publishing titan Random House, producing Grammy-Award winning audiobooks with Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. As a producer and creative partner, Bronstein has worked on a wide range of acclaimed audio projects, including The Royals of Malibu, which reached No. 1 on Apple and Spotify fiction charts, and I Am Kobe, which won the Webby Award for Best Sport Podcast.

Since its founding in 2019, QCODE has released more than 40 original podcasts, each of which has topped the Apple Podcast Charts, in both the fiction category and the Top 10 overall. A number of QCODE series are already making the shift to screen, including The Prophecy staring Kerry Washington, which has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios and ABC Signature, and The Left Right Game starring Tessa Thompson, which is being developed into a. Television series by Amazon Studios. For more information, visit www.QCODmedia.com.

About QCODE

QCODE, a premium content studio and podcast network, was launched in 2019 by former Creative Artists Agency agent Rob Herring. QCODE has released over 30 scripted podcasts with two TV adaptations across different genres, all of which have reached No.1 in the fiction category and top 10 overall on the Apple Podcast Charts. With these chart-topping, fan-favorite, critically acclaimed series, QCODE has quickly become the leading destination for scripted fiction and immersive storytelling in the podcast space.

Over the last year, QCODE has quietly expanded its reach and become a leading podcast 

Gamut Podcast Network Selects Flightpath To Power Real-Time Inventory Forecasting Across 250+ Shows

~ jen

Gamut Podcast Network, the dedicated podcast division of Hubbard Broadcasting, has partnered with Flightpath, the predictive analytics platform for on-demand media, to bring real-time inventory forecasting and campaign-performance insights to its more than 250 shows nationwide.

With Flightpath, Gallup’s sales and operation teams can see reliable availability months in advance, allowing them to package impressions by demo or geography at scale while continuing to deliver traditional direct-sold host- read campaigns; without overselling.

“Our advertisers buy us two ways: the classic host-read spots fans love and targeted impression packages built around specific demos or DMAs,” said John Goforth, Vice President & General Manager, Gamut Podcast Network. “Flightpath shows us, instantly, what we can deliver on both fronts, so our sellers move faster and our producers stay focused on great content.”

“Gamut is building a future-proof sales engine, and we’re excited to supply the data analytics foundation that makes it possible,” said Laurie Belleau, Chief Revenue Officer at Flightpath. “Real time, trusted availability means Gamut can say ‘yes’ more often and grow revenue with confidence.”

About Flightpath

Flightpath is the predictive analytics platform for on-demand media that delivers breakthrough reliability in availability forecasting and campaign performance prediction. Trusted by leading publishers and networks, we power the insights needed to increase profitability, unlock sales opportunities, and create operational efficiencies. Learn how publishers are supporting diverse sales strategies across platforms with the visibility and insight they need at flightpath.fm.

The Radcast Network Adds A New Team Member, Strengthening Show-To-Network Connection

~ jen

The Radcast Network is proud to announce the appointment of Bella Shafer as its new Podcast Coordinator. In this pivotal role, Bella will serve as a direct bridge between the shows and the network, ensuring seamless communication and supporting hosts as they grow their audiences and create meaningful content.

With an eye for operational clarity and a passion for creator empowerment, Bella steps into a role designed to deepen internal relationships and expand the reach of the network. Her work will include coordinating key growth initiative, offering support to podcasters at every stage of production, and helping facilitate new opportunities that align with The Radcast Network’s mission.

“Bella brings a rare mix of clarity, drive, and approachability to the table. As our Podcast Coordinator, she’s not just filling a role, she’s becoming the connective tissue that will help unify and elevate everything we’re building.” said Ryan Alford, CEO of The Radcast Network.

The Radcast Network continues to grow with intention, and the addition of Bella Shafer signals another step forward in building a network defined by creativity, connection, and a clear path for Podcasters to thrive.

About The Radcast Network

The Radcast Network is one of the fastest growing independent podcast networks adding over 40 shows to the roster in 2025 alone. The network is dedicated to helping creators grow, monetize, and connect. Through its custom-built and dynamic social app, The Radcast Network empowers podcast hosts to scale their audiences, unlock new revenue streams, and engage with a thriving community of like-minded voices. Whether you’re launching your first show or expanding an established brand, The Radcast Network provides the tools, support, and network to take your podcast to the next level.

Nielsen And Edison Research To Launch Groundbreaking Podcast Dataset in Nielsen’s Media Planning Tool

~ jen

Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data, and analytics announced a new collaboration with premier podcast research firm Edison Research, to launch Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Research. For the first time, advertisers and agencies will be able to plan, optimize and compare all major media types — including podcasts, TV, radio, digital and social — in one place. 

This new data fusion will integrate the industry-leading Edison Podcast Metrics into Nielsen’s widely used media planning tool, Nielsen Media Impact (NMI). NPR and Ocean Media are among the charter subscribers at launch.

Podcasts have scale, now reaching the majority of adults 18-34 monthly with an impressive 32% share of ad-supported audio.  As podcast listenership continues to grow, it is critical for advertisers to have sophisticated tools and data to effectively plan, measure and optimize their audio investments.

Nielsen Podcast Fusion NMI will provide an even more holistic view of media planning and helping users uncover valuable insights and demonstrate the effectiveness of their campaigns. NMI users will also be able to optimize media plans by specific podcast networks and genres, as well as top podcast programs.

“We know that young people are consuming podcast as a huge part of their media diet,” said Rich Tunkel, Managing Director of Nielsen Audio. “Nielsen continues to be at the forefront of media measurement so that advertisers can create their plans with confidence. This new collaboration further extends that confidence to audio and podcasts.”  

“Nielsen Media Impact is a critical tool for cross-platform media planning, and we are excited to bring our best-in-class podcast measurement data to this ecosystem.” said Melissa Kieche, Senior Vice President at Edison Research. “Our strategic partnership will help advertisers better understand the power of podcasting and its role in the broader media landscape.”

“For our clients, seamless podcast planning alongside other audio and video channels is vital. The integration of podcast metrics into NMI makes tis a reality, allowing us to evaluate and develop more intelligent, cross-platform media strategies for our brands. We see this as a pivotal advancement.” – Marcella Wilfong, Associate Director — Planning & Insights, Open Media.

“Integrating podcast data with Nielsen Media Impact marks a pivotal step in how the industry approaches cross-media planning. With podcast now a key player in the advertising ecosystem, this collaboration will empower advertisers to harness detailed insights and optimize their campaigns effectively across all major types.” – Susan Leland, Director, Audience Insights at NPR.

Majority Of Brits Listened To A Podcast Last Month; Medium Poised For More Growth

~ jen

Edison Research’s The UK Podcast Consumer 2025 reveals the massive tech of podcasts in the UK and the indicators that podcast listening has room to grow.

Majority of Brits consumed podcast in the last month: 71% of those in the UK ages 16+ have ever consumed a podcast, 51% have consumed a podcast in the last month, and 33% have consumed a podcast in the last week.

 UK Podcast listening is poised for growth: Adoption of smart TV’s in homes for podcast consumption, more accessibility and variety of podcast on digital services, and increase in infotainment systems in cars all allow room for growth in the medium.

The number of UK weekly podcasts consumers ages 15+ who listen most often on a smart TV has doubled since 2023: 4% listened most often on a smart TV as of Q1 2023 compared to 8% who listened most often on a smart TV as of Q1 2023 compared to 8% who listened most often on a smart TV as of Q1 2025.

33% of UK weekly podcast listeners ages 15+ use Spotify most often to listen to podcasts; 20% use YouTube, 15% use BBC Sounds and 13% use Apple Podcasts.

38% of those in the UK ages 18+ who have driven or ridden in a car in the last month have either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their primary vehicle.

Edison Research Senior Director of Research Gabriel Soto presented findings from the study, which combines research from Edison’s The Infinite Dial UK, Edison Podcast Metrics, and other original research.

“This year’s UK Podcast Consumer Report shows not only mainstream adoption, but also how podcasts are reaching valuable and diverse audiences,” said Soto. “For advertisers, this is a pivotal moment. We at Edison are bullish on podcasting because the data shows further adoption potential, robust ad ROI and tools already in place to help brands confidently invest in podcasts as a core part of their media strategy.”

Podcasts have broad generational appeal: 61% of those in the UK ages 16-24 are monthly podcast consumers, 56% of ages 35-54 are monthly podcast consumers, and 38% of ages 55+ are mostly podcast consumers.

Podcast advertising delivers a robust ROI: 83% of weekly podcast consumers ages 15+ in the UK agree that hearing aids is a fair price to pay for free content.

The Top UK-based Podcast reach U.S. listeners: The Top 10 UK-based podcasts (podcasts hosted by someone from the UK or produced by a UK organization) reach a cumulative 2.3 million weekly podcast listeners in the U.S. each week.

Other findings include:

59% of UK weekly podcast consumer ages 15+ listen to podcasts most often at home

66% of UK weekly podcast consumers ages 15+ listen to podcasts most often on a smartphone

About the study: The UK Podcast Consumer 2024 from Edison Research draws upon the following datasets: Edison Podcast Metrics UK, Edison Podcast Metrics US, The Infinite Dial UK with sponsors AdsWizz and Sirius XM, and the Fandom Phenomenon with sponsor Wondery.

Ausha Launches A New Version Of The PSO Control Panel, Available To All

~ jen

Ausha, the leading podcast marketing platform, announces the launch of a new version of its flagship PSO Control Panel, the go-to tool for managing Podcast Search Optimization (PSO) and increasing visibility on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Previously reserved for major industry players such as media groups (BBC Studios), podcast networks (Big Pond Podcasts), or podcast agencies (Resonate Recordings), the PSO suite is now available as a standalone offer — fully compatible with all hosting platforms.

This expansion makes a major evolution in the industry: independent creators, small B2B publishers and emerging studios can now integrate a high-impact optimization tool into their existing stack and actively develop their podcast SEO strategy to improve visibility on podcast apps.

A New Era For Podcast Visibility

For a long time, podcast publishers saw Apple Podcasts and Spotify merely as distribution platforms for their RSS feed. Once their show was live, they stopped there, doing nothing more to stand out among the millions of other shows competing for attention.

But today, that’s a missed opportunity. 1 in 2 listeners find new shows inside these apps, and 70% of them us the search tab. Still, most podcasters did noting to improve how they show up. Without the right tools, they couldn’t boos their visibility. They had to get or pay for ads to get discovered.

Ausha’s PSO Control Panel changes that.

Inspired by SEO principles but built specifically for podcast platforms, Podcast Search Optimization (PSO) gives creators access to data and recommendations to improve how their show appears in search results on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

At the heart of the PSO Control Panel, a dedicated interface that brings together all the tools needed to build and execute a Podcast Search Strategy.

Podcast creators will be able to:

Find the Best Keywords to Extend Their Reach: Podcast creators can see what listeners are really searching for. AI suggests the best keywords and shows how hard they are to rank for, so creators can focus on targeting the ones that will significantly grow their audience.

Optimize Episode Notes in Real Time: Creators get clear suggestions to improve their titles, descriptions and tags. As they make changes, they can see in real time how it improve their visibility in search results.

Track Their Rankings & Stay Ahead of the Competition: Podcasters can see which podcasts they’re competing with for each keyword, compare visibility, and track their progress over time. They can also filter results by platform, country, or category to stay focused.

Validated by Experts, Scaled For Every Publisher

Leading experts in the podcast industry have already made PSO part of their workflow. From agencies to networks, it’s now a key part of their visibility and growth strategy. Even podcast agencies are using the PSO Control Panel to extend their services.

Several of them have already seen powerful results:

As Stevie Manns, Executive Produce of The Bid Podcast at BlackRock explains: “We achieved gratification success with one of our episodes, seeing a huge uptick in subscriber growth across Apple Podcasts and Spotify — driven in part by optimizing effectively for PSO!”

Amanda Bermudez, Analyst for Global Digital Experience & Data Platforms at Blackrock, adds: “I really enjoyed the features of the PSO Control Panel. I liked being able to track our competitors for our tracked keyword and to do live search of keywords.”

Following its adoption by top media groups, agencies, and podcast networks, Ausha is now launching a self-serve version of the PSO Control Panel, compatible with all hosting platforms.

For those looking for advanced guidance, the full Ausha PRO offering remains available, with tailored consulting and strategic support from Ausha’s team of podcast marketing experts.

Audioboom Doubles Video Revenue In The First Half Of 2025 As More Than 60% Of Creators Produce Video Podcasts

~ jen

Audioboom, the leading global podcast company, announced that it has doubled its video revenue since the start of the year. According to Audioboom, more than 60% of its creators produce video podcasts and over 13% of its business now comes from video revenue.

Amid this revenue growth, Audioboom is also now home to 11 of the top 100 video podcasts in the US. These key milestones are directly connected to the fast-moving growth of Audioboom’s video operations, as the creation and consumption of video podcasting continues to accelerate across the industry.

Audioboom, and its recently acquired British podcast network Adelicious, are continuing to advance their video strategy and expanding platform capabilities to capitalize on this shift.

“As the industry continues to navigate podcast consumers’ shift to video, Audioboom and Adelicious have emerged as leaders in the space, with our video strategy already generating significant revenue for those creators producing video content,” said Stuart Last, CEO at Audioboom.” Podcasters have trusted us as the leading independent platform for audio podcasting for many years, and now they can rely on us to create value for their work in video, too.”

In June 2025

More than 13% of Audioboom Creator Network revenue in the first half of the year was generated from video.

More than 60% of podcasters on the Audioboom Creator Network produced versions of their own podcasts.

In the crucial US market, Audioboom is now home to 11 of the top 100 video podcasts.

Video podcast were viewed more than 22 million times, forming 20% of all podcast consumption across Audioboom and Adelicious.

The network delivered an RPM for video of US $40.74; the result of a company initiative launched in 2024 to develop a market-leading video strategy.

Recent research reinforces this momentum. According to the Edison Research Podcast Consumer study, published in July 2025, 26% of US adults now consume video podcasts on a weekly basis. 

The report also found that 31% of US podcast consumers discover new podcasts through video platforms. Additionally, Sounds Profitable’s Video’s Rise in Podcasting Report proves that video audiences spend more time with podcast content than audiences who consume only audio content. In fact, among US audiences that turn into video podcasts weekly, 33% report to consume more than nine hours of content, compared to just 19% of weekly audio audiences.

Further updates to Audioboom’s video strategy are expected later this year, as the company continues to scale its capabilities and expand monetization opportunities for creators. 

About Audioboom

Audioboom is a global leader in podcasting – our shows are downloaded 125 million times each month by more than 40 million unique listeners around the world. Audioboom is ranked as the fifth largest podcast publisher in the US by Edison Research.

Audioboom’s ad-tech and monetization platform underpins a scalable content business that provides commercial, distribution, marketing and production services for a premium network of top tier podcasts. Key partners include the official Formula 1 podcast ‘F1: Beyond the Grid” and “F1 Nation’, ‘True Crime Obsessed’(US), ‘The Tim Dillon Show (US), ‘No Such Thing As A Fish (UK) and ‘The Cycling Podcast’ (UK).

Cumulus Media And Rumble Announce Joint Strategic Partnership

~ jen

Cumulus Media, one of the largest audio creators and distributors, and Rumble, the high-growth video-sharing platform and could services provider empowering creators and brands, announced a multi-pronged strategic partnership that recognizes the evolution of podcasting and video in today’s media landscape. 

This collaboration will unlock new opportunities across Cumulus Media — including Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network – and Rumble.com, including expanded distribution of content from both companies.

This initiative reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation in digital media and their shared vision for the future of creator-driven content and monetization opportunities. Under the agreement, Rumble and Westwood One will collaborate to maximize advertising opportunities for brand partners, packaging assets across each portfolio to create unique and exclusive multi-platform solutions. Westwood One will also distribute audio and video content on Rumble’s video platform.

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two media innovators,” said Collin Jones, President, Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Strategy & Development, Cumulus Media. “By combining our premium podcast inventory with Rumble’s dynamic creator ecosystem, we’re creating a new frontier for host-read advertising that delivers authenticity, scale, and brand safety.”

Rumble CEO, Chris Pavolski added, “We’re excited to partner with Cumulus Media and Westwood One to bring advertisers to create new monetization opportunities for our creators while offering brands a trusted and effective way to connect with engaged communities.”

About Rumble

Rumble is a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that creates an independent infrastructure. Rumble’s mission is to restore the internet to its roots by making it a free and open once again. For more information, visit corp.rumble.com.

Ozen.FM Launches – The Future Of Curated, Global Podcasting

~ jen

Ozen.FM announced its official launch today, introducing a bold new platform redefining how creators, advertisers, and audiences connect through curated, global audio. Purpose-built to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving podcast landscape, ozen.fm brings together scalable, multilingual content discovery with streamlined monetization, all through a centralized, open platform designed for impact.

Ozen.FM will debut as a curated, multilingual programmatic marketplace, connecting advertisers with brand-safe, contextually targeted podcasts. Built with performance and discovery in mind, Ozen.Fm will evolve over the coming months through a phased rollout across web, mobile apps, connected TV, smart speakers, and in-car platforms. This multi-platform approach is designed to enhance podcast accessibility, empower creators, and enable advertisers to reach engaged global audiences through direct sales and programmatic integrations.

“Ozen.FM is more than just a platform, it’s a commitment to advancing the future of podcasting on a global scale,” said Rodrigo Tigre, President and Co-Founder of Ozen.FM.  “We’re building a space where creators thrive, advertisers achieve meaningful results, and audiences can easily discover the content that speaks to them. With the power of technology, curation, and strategic partnerships, Ozen.FM isn’t just keeping pace with the evolution of podcasting; we’re shaping what comes next.”

Through partnerships with leading hosting platforms and exchanges, and integrations with industry innovators like Triton Digital, Spreaker, Zeno Media, Genuina Media, RSS.com, Audiohook, and NumberEight, Ozen.FM offers unparalleled access to contextual, multicultural, and multilingual audiences.

Ozen.FM delivers the future of audio through precision targeting, trusted performance, and a commitment to empowering creators, advertisers, and audiences alike.

For a full demo and to learn more, visit the website. 

White Media Launches To Transform Podcast Advertising

~ jen

Today marks the launch of White Media, a specialized audio advertising agency focused exclusively on premium podcast advertising. Combining full-service agency strategy with specialized sales representation, White Media is set to become a trusted partner for advertisers, media buyers, and podcast creators across Australia.

With a growing roster of respected audio publishers, White Media connects to brands to highly engaged podcast audiences through authentic, data-backed sponsorships and host-read ads. Launch clients include: The Bye Round, Soberly Speaking, Emotional Content, Life! With Danni Duncan, Playing & Simple, and Can’t Handle The Crime & Scandal.”

“Audio advertising is no longer about being heard, it’s about being remembered,” said Frankie White, the agency’s founder and a former sales executive at SCA and ARN wit more than decades’ of experience in media and sales.

“Our mission is to make podcast and audio advertising simple yet powerful. We’re proud to amplify Australian voices with strategies that resonate and deliver results.”

Amy-Jane Brand, the founder and host of the Emotional Content podcast, shared her reasons for partnering with White Media.

“I’ve chosen to work with Frankie White Media because she backs independently built podcasts with the kind of passion and drive that mirrors my own. Her years of industry experience, combined with a genuine commitment to supporting creators outside the mainstream, is exactly what the Australian podcast space needs more of.

“That’s what sets her apart. As someone committed to staying independent, I want women like Frankie on my team – visionary, strategic, and deeply aligned with my vision for Emotional Content and the future of podcasting.”

Soberly Speaking’s Julia Rangiheuea adds, “As an independent podcaster, protecting my integrity is everything. That’s why I chose to work with Frankie. She sees the vision, respects the brand and isn’t her to change me. With her background in sales and her believe in what I’m already doing, it was a no-brainer to partner with White Media.”

Bridging The Gap Between Creators and Advertisers

Positioned uniquely at the intersection of brands, platforms, and creators, White Media bridges the gap between independent podcast hots and national advertisers. Its dual approach offers scalable advertising solutions that prioritize authenticity, audience targeting, and meaningful messaging.

“Traditional ad formats are increasingly ignored, but podcast ads are trusted, intimate, and impactful,” White explains. “We’re giving advertisers the tools to cut through the noise, while helping content creators focus on doing what they do best, creating outstanding audio experiences.”

Solving the Complexities of Podcast Advertising

The launch comes as Australia’s audio advertising market continues to surge, with podcast listenership growing nationwide. White says the agency addresses key challenges in podcast advertising, including fragmented ad placements, campaign scalability, and reliable ROI tracking. 

“By simplifying these complexities, White Media gives brands unparalleled access to premium audio inventory, while helping podcasts unlock more monetization opportunities.”

White also notes that the timing of the agency couldn’t be better. 

“Australia is embracing audio-first strategies, with more than nine million people listening to podcasts each month. Data shows that 65% of listeners take actions after hearing podcast ads, highlighting the medium’s effectiveness.”

“Advertisers need streamlined, performance-driven solutions that work across radio, streaming, and podcasts. That’s exactly what White Media provides,” she adds.