Libsyn Syndication inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced the appointment of Rick Selah as Executive Vice President of Sales for Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. Selah previously has served as Executive Vice President of Content Partnerships and Libsyn since 2022 and, in this new role, Rick will be responsible for spearheading the expansion of the industry leading AdvertiseCast marketplace and driving revenue growth.

“Advertisers are embracing podcast advertising as a trusted media channel that’s now on par with other dominant media channels with advanced audience targeting and attribution measurement capabilities — and our AdvertiseCast marketplace is leading the way,” said John W. Gibbons, Chief Executive Officer at Libsyn. “Rick will be instrumental in scaling our expansive podcast advertising portfolio of host-read, dynamic, and programmatic ad offerings. His wealth of experience in the podcast industry, strong advertiser relationships, and sales track record make him a valuable leader to drive our next phase of accelerated growth.”

As a seasoned sales leader, Selah brings decades of expertise in media industry sales. As Executive Vice President of Content Partnerships at Libsyn, Rick was instrumental in expanding creator partnerships and bringing massive shows like The Vial Files and Lore as well as ABC Audio to the Libsyn AdvertiseCast family.

Prior to Libsyn, Rick served as Co-Founder and President of PodAdReps (PAR), where he led advertising sales efforts for a diverse catalog of independent podcasts. His leadership resulted in the acquisition of PAR by Libsyn, further solidifying his impact on the podcasting industry. Rick’s career journey also includes significant roles such as Vice President of Sales at CastPlus and Vice President of Sales at Westwood One.

“Podcast advertising is gaining prominence with more marketers, and Libsyn AdvertiseCast has built a foundation for accelerated growth with its deep investments in innovative advertising tools and technologies,” said Rick. “I’m thrilled to work alongside Libsyn’s leadership team to lead sales and educate more brands on the immense potential of podcast advertising, empowering them to harness the medium’s power to engage on high-value audiences and achieve measurable outcomes. Together, we’ll continue to elevate the podcasting landscape and drive the proof-of-performance for advertisers.”

The expansion of leadership marks a pivotal moment for Libsyn as the Company celebrates its 20th year in podcasting. Libsyn has made substantial investments in platform tools for creators and advertisers alike.

About Liberated Syndication

Celebrating our 20th year in podcasting, Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”) is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio and video content. The Company hosts more than 75,000 shows and delivers over 8 billion downloads to listeners globally. Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying management platform with full-service capabilities that make it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns across thousands of shows. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more information on the Company and the platforms that it powers.

Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced its February 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates, including the highest and most accessible CPM categories.

“As the Upfront advertising season approaches, it’s crucial for advertisers to strategically invest their ad dollars — and podcast advertising offers a prime opportunity,” noted Dave Hanley, Chief Revenue Officer of Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. “Reports indicate that uptake of a brand safety and sustainability solutions has nearly doubled since last year, showing a rapid adoption of these tools in the podcast channel.

As one of the fastest-growing digital media channels, brand marketers have ample reasons to embrace podcast advertising as a cost-effective and trusted medium that delivers unmatched audience engagement. We’re educating and helping more advertisers leverage its full potential and securing the number one spot in Podtrac’s latest global rankings for streams, downloads, and views validates the power and reach of our premier advertising network.”

February 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates

For February 2024, the average CPM rate was $21.99 for a 60-second ad spot. That figure is up from last month (January 2024 avg. CPM rate: $21.61), and is on par with the same month last year (February 2023 avg. CPM rate: $21.99).

The three highest CPM categories in February based on delivered advertising were:

Technology: $27

Education: $25

Arts: $25

Moreover, three categories where advertisers can effectively tap into highly engaged audiences at more accessible CPM rates include Fiction, Games, and Music, which averaged around the high teens to low 20s in February.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. Historical monthly CPM rates can be found on its February 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates, including the highest and most accessible CPM categories.

“As the Upfront advertising season approaches, it’s crucial for advertisers to strategically invest their ad dollars — and podcast advertising offers a prime opportunity,” noted Dave Hanley, Chief Revenue Officer of Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. “Reports indicate that uptake of a brand safety and sustainability solutions has nearly doubled since last year, showing a rapid adoption of these tools in the podcast channel.

As one of the fastest-growing digital media channels, brand marketers have ample reasons to embrace podcast advertising as a cost-effective and trusted medium that delivers unmatched audience engagement. We’re educating and helping more advertisers leverage its full potential and securing the number one spot in Podtrac’s latest global rankings for streams, downloads, and views validates the power and reach of our premier advertising network.”

February 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates

For February 2024, the average CPM rate was $21.99 for a 60-second ad spot. That figure is up from last month (January 2024 avg. CPM rate: $21.61), and is on par with the same month last year (February 2023 avg. CPM rate: $21.99).

The three highest CPM categories in February based on delivered advertising were:

Technology: $27

Education: $25

Arts: $25

Moreover, three categories where advertisers can effectively tap into highly engaged audiences at more accessible CPM rates include Fiction, Games, and Music, which averaged around the high teens to low 20s in February.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. Historical monthly CPM rates can be found on AdvertiseCast’s website.

Libsyn Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced its January 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates, including the highest and most accessible CPM categories.

“More people are tuning into podcasts, and advertising dollars are following suit — and a notable 68% consumers are more willing to consider a product they heard about on a podcast ad. Entering 2024, we’re optimistic about the growth of podcast advertising — with more local and regional advertisers embracing the medium and expanding opportunities in programmatic buying,” stated Dave Hanley, Chief Revenue Officer of Libsyn’s Advertise Cast. “We look forward empowering more creators and advertisers with industry-leading tools to deliver richer audience insights, improved performance outcomes, and increased transparency.”

January 2024 Podcast Advertising Rates

The following rates, which are denoted as cost per thousand or CPM, are published monthly by Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast, the industry’s premier podcast advertising marketplace, that connects advertisers with podcasters. The Company releases the figures to empower the podcaster and advertiser communities to readily monitor market pricing and provide greater insight into podcaster advertising as a monetization vehicle. The data is derived from actual sales data across AdvertiseCast’s network of thousands of shows.

For January 2024, the average CPM rate was $21.69 for a 60-second ad spot. That figure is down from December, which is a typical trend during the Q1 ramp up period (December 2023 avg. CPM rate: $22.91), and has decreased year-over-year (January 2023 avg. CPM rate: $22.21).

The three highest CPM categories in January based on delivered advertising were:

* Technology: $26

* Arts: $26

* Education: $24

Moreover, three categories where advertisers can effectively tap into highly engaged audiences at more accessible CPM rates include Fiction, Games, and Leisure, which averaged around the high teens to low 20s in January.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. Historical monthly CPM rates can be found on AdvertiserCast’s website. https://www.advertisecast.com/podcast-advertising-rates

About Liberated Syndication

Celebrating our 20th year in podcasting, Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”) is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio and video content. The Company hosts more than 75,000 shows and delivers over 8 billion downloads to listeners globally. Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that make it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns across thousands of shows. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more information on the Company and the platforms that it powers.

Libsyn Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced its November 2023 Podcast Advertising Rates, including the highest and most accessible CPM categories, and shares 2024 podcast advertising predictions.

2024 Podcast Advertising Developments to Watch

Podcast advertising has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years, and as we enter 2024, there is no sign of this growth abating. According to IAB research, in 2023 alone, U.S. podcast ad revenue is projected to soar to $2.28 billion, up 25% year over year – and will reach $4 billion by 2025. With more people immersing themselves in their favorite podcasts, listenership and engagement is surging, offering advertisers a golden opportunity to connect with dedicated and loyal audiences.

Dave Hanley, Chief Revenue Officer of Libsyn AdvertiseCast, outlines five predictions for podcast advertising in 2024, underscoring the industry’s continued momentum.

Persistent Brand Safety Concerns Put to Rest: Advertisers will become more comfortable with brand safety in the podcast channel due to recent technology and procedural developments. The emphasis will shift towards brand suitability, authenticity in tone, and aligning with the right content creators. As brands recognize this, the call to action will be clear: Don’t sit on the sidelines in 2024 – leverage the genuine connection podcasts offer to engage audiences effectively.

AI-Powered Contextual Targeting Expands Ad Inventory: Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast expects a rise in adoption of AI and predictive contextual targeting in the year ahead. Leveraging innovative tools to provide accurate context to content will unlock a wealth of relevant inventory for advertisers. This ensures that their messages will resonate with intended audiences, driving precise targeting and ad effectiveness, while eliminating waste.

Regional & Local Ad Boom with Data-Driven Precision: Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast anticipates more regional and local advertisers will enter the podcast advertising space, fueled by the growing interest in data-driven targeting. Advertisers can now geo-target with increased precision to connect with desired local podcast audiences across hundreds of audience segments.

Surge in Video Enhancing Discoverability: The growing popularity of video podcasts will see the further blurring of lines between audio and video. Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast, which already offers a “simulcast” ad product to advertisers, recognizes the significant advantage of using video to improve podcast discoverability. This approach amplifies the reach and impact for creators – thereby attracting more advertisers.

Cause-based Advertising – An Untapped Opportunity: An untapped opportunity lies in the underutilization of cause-based advertisers collaborating with podcast hosts. The influential voice of podcast hosts presents a powerful platform for promoting social and environment causes, and this synergy fosters impactful conversations and prompts action. Beyond cause-based campaigns, we see this strategy being applied for political advertisers gearing up for the 2024 election cycle.

Hanley commented, “Podcasting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing advertising channels, and its trajectory remains on an upward curve. With greater access to sophisticated audience-based targeting and attribution measurement, new advertisers are capitalizing on the expanding opportunities to achieve their brand goals, be it direct response or brand awareness. We’ve been at the forefront of delivering new capabilities for advertisers, and since introducing programmatic ads in August 2022, we’ve witnessed a threefold increase in advertisers utilizing our automatic ad solution.”

November 2023 Podcast Advertising Rates

The three highest CPM categories in November based on delivered advertising were:

Kids & Family: $27

Arts: $26

Education: $25

Moreover, three categories where advertisers can effectively tap into highly engaged audiences at more accessible CPM rates include History, TV & Film, and True Crime, which averaged around the low 20s in November.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. Historical monthly CPM rates can be found on AdvertiseCast’s website. https://www.advertisecast.com/podcast-advertising-rates 

Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced  its August 2023 Podcast Advertising Rates, including the highest and most accessible CPM categories.

“Following Podcast Movement, it’s abundantly clear that the value of podcasting has reached new heights. The conference once again showcased the incredible diversity and creativity within the podcasting ecosystem. As the industry continues to grow, so does the understanding of the unique relationship between content, context, and audience engagement.,” said Dave Hanley, Chief Revenue Officer of Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. 

“Brands are increasingly recognizing that context matters as much as content. It’s not just about delivering a message; it’s about delivering it in the right context, to the right audience, at the right moment. We take pride in being at the forefront of podcasting innovations, and our newly launched predictive contextual advertising solutions stand as a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve.”

August 2023 Podcast Advertising Rates

The following rates, which are denoted as cost per thousand or CPM, are published monthly by Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast, the industry’s premier podcast advertising marketplace that connects advertisers with podcasters. The Company releases the figures to empower the podcaster and advertiser communities to readily monitor market pricing and provide greater insight into podcasting advertising as a monetization vehicle. The data is derived from actual sales data across AdvertiseCast’s network of thousands of shows.

For August 2023, the average CPM rate was $22.14 for a 60-second ad spot. That figure is fairly flat compared to last month (July 2023 avg. CPM rate: $22.20) and has decreased year-over-year (August 2022 avg. CPM rate: $23.41).

The three highest CPM categories in August based on delivered advertising were:

• Technology: $26

• Education: $26

• Arts: $26

Moreover, three categories where advertisers can effectively tap into highly engaged audiences at more accessible CPM rates include Sports, News, and TV & Film, which averaged around the low 20s in August.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. Historical monthly CPM rates can be found on AdvertiseCast’s website at: www.advertisecast.com/podcast-advertising-rates

Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced that it has appointed John W. Gibbons, Interim CEO and Chief Product Officer, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Gibbons was appointed Interim CEO in June of 2023 and has served as President and Chief Product Officer since January 2022. Since joining Libsyn he has played a crucial role in driving the company’s product vision and strategy and has been pivotal in expanding Libsyn’s advertising capabilities, suite-of-service model, and a global presence.

Patrick Dolan, Libsyn’s Board Chair, said, “John brings a proven track record of success in scaling businesses across the podcasting and digital media sectors. His contribution to driving our product innovation roadmap has been invaluable. As our newest board member, I’m confident that John will help us achieve our next rapid growth phase with diverse podcasters and advertisers on a global scale while continuing to stay at the forefront of innovation with industry-leading capabilities.

Gibbons commented, “Libsyn has executed its platform strategy and is well-positioned for the future. I look forward to collaborating with the board and the leadership team to advance our product suite, our international growth ambitions, serving the next million podcasters with our enhanced content creation offerings, and driving the expansion of our advertising marketplace to deliver advanced capabilities to more brand advertisers.”

Patrick Dolan concluded, “We are thrilled to add John to the board, further strengthening it. Earlier this year, Ian Harris and Michael Toro also joined the board. These accomplished executives bring a wealth of industry, technology, and corporate strategy experience. We believe their collective expertise and proven track record will contribute to the company’s continued success.”

Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced the appointment of Charles F. (“Chuck”) Cargile as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chuck brings a wealth of financial expertise and leadership to Libsyn, further solidifying the Company’s commitment to driving financial and operational excellence.

Mr. Cargile joins Libsyn with a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years in executive leadership roles within publicly traded companies. His expertise includes enhancing internal controls, procedures, and processes and partnering with business leaders. His financial stewardship has consistently contributed to the profitable growth and success of companies across various industries.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chuck to the Libsyn team as our new Chief Financial Officer,” said John W. Gibbons, Interim CEO and Chief Product Officer of Libsyn. “Chuck’s extensive, global financial leadership experience and proven track record of growing companies, accessing capital markets, and creating value for shareholders will undoubtedly make him an invaluable addition in bolstering Libsyn’s financial strategy for our next chapter of growth – as we continue to innovate and lead in the dynamic podcasting and advertising industries.”

Most recently, Mr. Cargile served as the CFO of BlueWind Medical, an innovative early-stage medical device company, demonstrating his diverse experience in the technology sector. Before that, he guided Tattooed Chef, a prominent plant-based foods provider, though its public offering as CFO in 2021.

Previously, Mr Cargile assumed the positions of CEO and Chairman of the Board at Sunworks, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed solar technology company. Over his four-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in leading Sunworks’ transformative phase, including its merger with Solciis, a solar solutions provider empowering homeowners to manage their energy consumption.

Prior to this, he held the position of CFO at Newport Corporation (NASDAQ: NEWP), where he effectively managed the financial operations of the Photonics Solutions company for 16 years. How tenure culminated in the successful sale of Newport Corporation to MKS Instruments in 2016. Mr. Cargile has also served on the Board of Directors of four public companies with experience as Chair of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Governance Committee, and Special Committee to evaluate strategic transactions. 

Mr. Cargile earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and holds an M.B.A. from the prestigious University of Southern Calfornia Marshall School of Business.

About Liberated Syndication

Founded in 2004, Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”) is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio content. In 2022, the Company hosted over 75,000 shows and delivered over 8 billion downloads to listeners globally.

Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities on over 3,000 shows. 

Based in Munich, Germany, Libsyn’s Julep Media platform is the leading podcasting hosting platform and advertising marketplace in Europe. Libsyn also powers podcast membership platform Glow, and web hosting platform, Pair Networks. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more Company information.