SoundStack

Barometer And SoundStack Partner To Enhance Audio And Market

~ jen

SoundStack, the independent audio-as-a-service (AaaS) company, announced a partnership with Barometer, the only independent brand suitability and contextual targeting solution for podcast advertising.

The agreement enables buy-side partners to leverage curated “supply packs” in SoundStack Marketplace, ensuring their advertisers buy shows that are most relevant to them, and connect to millions of their most desired consumers.

The partnership comes as the two companies plan for their panel at Podcast Movement this August, “Playing Well Together: The Future of Direct Sales with Integrated Programmatic,” which will be moderated by Flightpath CEO Sean Howard.

“We’re proud to provide transparent supply data that helps data that helps make SoundStack Marketplace an even more robust audio ad exchange,” said Tamara Zubatiy, CEO and Co-Founder of Barometer. “More data-driven options for demand partners and their advertisers to accurately target the types of podcast content they need means better return on their investment in audio. That makes the market healthier for everyone.”

Barometer data categorizes podcasts at the show and episode level. The data allows SoundStack to create contextual segments and make them available to buy-side partners for targeting based on variables like host gender, content category, genre, keywords, topic sentiment, and brand safety.

More than 14,000 publisher partners provide over six billion monthly, global audio ad opportunities for buyers in SoundStack Marketplace. Independent and tech-agnostic, the marketplace facilitates barrier-free ad trading that generates better results for all participants — demand partners, tech platforms, audio publishers, and more.

“As the largest independent audio marketplace, it is critical that SoundStack provide our demand partners with the largest selection of curated and targeted podcasts,” said Mike Reznick, SoundStack’s chief operating officer. “This ensures that ad campaigns, including reach extension campaigns, deliver and perform for advertisers in our marketplace, and provide solid monetization for our publisher partners.”

SoundStack’s participation in MOSAIC, an initiative spearheaded by Barometer and the Alive Podcast Network that’s working to connect advertisers with more diverse podcasts, is one of the first manifestations of this partnership. As SoundStack Marketplace inventory is categorized with Barometer data, thousands of diverse podcasters will be able to earn more ad revenue.

SoundStack Hires Digital Audio Vet Michael Fischer To Expand Streaming Audio

~ jen

SoundStack, the audio-as-a-service (AaaS) company, announces the appointment of Michael Fischer as Vice President of Business Development. The appointment bolsters the company’s growing publisher discipline – which also includes customer enablement, support, and podcast business teams – with a further focus on broadcast audio enterprises, including National Public Radio member stations.

“With years of experience in multiple ends of the audio ecosystem – from mobile, to enterprise tech platforms, to renowned communications companies – Michael brings tremendous knowledge that will make it easier for an array of streaming businesses to grow,” stated Rockie Thomas, CRO of SoundStack. “He’s a perfect addition to the team as we continue to work with publishers who understand how partnering with an independent tech platform will open up to more choices and, in turn, more listeners and streaming/podcast revenue.”

An all-encompassing tech platform, SoundStack combines podcast/streaming audio hosting/delivery, monetization, and insights in one place. Advertising and publisher partners on or off “the stack” can also buy and sell audio ads programmatically in the SoundStack Marketplace.

Fischer has been selling digital services to media companies for more than a decade, with an emphasis on audio streaming. He joins the team after nearly seven years as EVP/Business Development with mobile application provider AirKast, where he guided broadcasters, podcasters, and independent audio communities on content and sales strategies. His varied experience includes over four years at Triton Digital as SVP of Engagement, and he was Director of Business Development RAIN (Radio and Internet News).

First focusing on a range of broadcast audio enterprises in the U.S., Fischer will also spearhead development of global markets.

About SoundStack

SoundStack is the audio-as-a-service (AaaS) company for every kind of digital audio business – podcasters, digital broadcasters, platforms, advertisers and more. Giving those businesses equal access to big tech that’s easy-to-use, and the ability to connect with any provider across the market, SoundStack makes audio hosting/delivery, monihtazation, and analysis simple and effective for everyone. Fully independent, the company’s team of 70+ audio tech experts is guided only by what delivers the best results for its 14k+ customers. SoundStack is headquartered in Pittsburgh with offices around the country, and is the parent company of Live365.

Visit www.soundstack.com for more info.

Kast Media Partners With SoundStack To Power Podcast Delivery

~ jen

Soundstack, the audio-as-a-service (Aaas) company, and Kast Media, the leader in multi-channel podcasting, announced a partnership that enables the renowned media company to deliver and monetize its award-winning content more effectively through SoundStack.

“When it comes to podcast technology, there are three essential criteria that will allow Kast to continue to entertain and inform the world through its podcasts,” said Colin Thomson, CEO of Kast Media. “First is tech that guarantees content is always delivered seamlessly. Second, that said content earns as much revenue as possible in order to fund a premium production effort. Third, and of tremendous importance, that content and ads always deliver in a way that puts the listener experience first. We believe that this path of independence with SoundStack will allow for this, and are proud to forge the path together.”

Kast Media will leverage the SoundStack platform for four fundamental capabilities:

  • Hosting/distribution across a global content delivery network
  • Content management in the Podcaster CMS
  • Enhance workflow with direct access to SoundStack’s product team
  • Programmatic advertising, by making Kast Media inventory available in the SoundStack Marketplace
  • Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI), which makes podcast advertising more flexible and efficient by serving an ad automatically when an episode is streamed or downloaded, is core to the platform.

“We’re thrilled to play a key role in helping incredible shows flourish,” said Jon Stephenson, CEO of SoundStack. “Every podcaster needs equal access to innovation that expands their opportunities to reach people and earn more revenue, instead of limiting them. It’s a pleasure to partner with a forward-thinking business like Kast that understand how always doing what’s best for the creator ultimately benefits everyone – publishers, advertisers, and listeners alike.”

About Kast Media

Kast Media is the only remaining major independent podcast network, one of the first leaders in the multi-channel simulcast strategy for show creation and distribution. As a top-10 podcast network, Kast has an extensive portfolio of top 100 shows across all genres, including the narrative and talk spaces, which reach over 13 million unique listeners/viewers per month. Recent successful show development and launches across talk include: The Sarah Silverman Podcast, Was it Real? The Hills Rewatch and Welcome to the OC – and their entry into narrative originals – The Opportunist and Lost in Panama. Kast continues to expand their footprint in the industry with their unique slate and original development. https://kastmedia.com/

SoundStack Adds Executives From Veritonic, Adswizz, and Libsyn

~ jen

SoundStack, the audio-as-a-service (AaaS) company, announces the appointment of three executive hires to round out its marketing, finance, and product groups. Scott Klass, Chief Marketing Officer; Bill Feichtmann, Vice President, Finance; and Tony Licon, Head of Product, will expand on the foundations established by their respective teams to ensure that SoundStack continues to give every player in podcasting and streaming audio more opportunities to grow.

An all-encompassing audio tech platform, SoundStack combines podcast/streaming audio creation, distribution, monetization, and insights in one place. Advertising and publisher partners on or off “the stack” can also buy and sell audio ads programmatically in the SoundStack Marketplace.

“Providing the technology foundation that so many count on for their audio businesses to thrive – from a 24/7 streaming radio station to a podcast network ensuring its shows earn solid revenue – is a serious responsibility,” stated SoundStack founder and CEO Jon Stephenson. “As we continue to scale SoundStack to fulfill that promise, putting the right, experienced people into place is always step number one. Scott, Bill, and Tony have amazing track records in helping to create some of the most transformative audio-focused tech businesses.”

Klass has led marketing for a range of technologies that were fundamental in programmatic advertising and audio. He was the head marketer at Right Media (acquired by Yahoo!) which, under the leadership of Michael Walrath, Brian O’Kelley and many others, built the first open exchange for digital advertising and established the programmatic category. Klass’ 22+ years in the space also include leading marketing for audio intelligence platform Veritonic.

Licon has built technology products over 24 years, spanning podcasting, radio, streaming, 2D/3D design collaboration, and publishing. He comes to SoundStack most recently from podcast hosting company Libsyn, where he led its advertising product, including launching the company’s programatic ad solutions over the past year.

Feichtmann brings over 30 years of experience in high-growth technology companies. He comes most recently from global digital audio platform AdsWizz, where he was VP of Finance for six years, beginning as the company established its US headquarters until after its acquisition by Pandora Media / Sirius XM. He was responsible for all financial operations.

About SoundStack

SoundStack is the audio-as-a-service (AaaS) company for every kind of digital audio business – podcasters, digital broadcasters, platforms, advertisers and more. Giving those businesses equal access to big tech that’s easy-to-use, and the ability to connect with any provider across the market, SoundStack makes audio creation, delivery, monetization, and analysis simple and effective for everyone. Fully independent, the company’s team of 70+ audio tech experts is guided only by what delivers the best results for its 14k+ customers. SoundStack is headquartered in Pittsburgh and is the combination of Media Creek, EmpireStreaming, Abovecast, AudioCatapult, and Live365 (which continues to operate as its own brand).