PodMov Daily: Tuesday, August 4

Episode 256: Testing, One Two-sday

Is It Time for Podcasters to Be Paid Like Musicians?

On a recent episode of New Media Show, Blubrry CEO Todd Cochrane and Libsyn Content and Partnerships VP Rob Greenlee ask, “Is it time for podcasters to get paid like musicians?” Podcast Hall of Famer Dave Jackson has done the math on what podcasters earn with 500 downloads per weekly episode.

Across major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, the results aren’t stellar. Is it fair that musicians, but not podcasters, are paid for content? Jackson confirms, “Musicians have got the short end of the stick in almost all business dealings. “Are podcasters following in their steps? It sure seems that way.”

The sentiment has been raised as well by Pitchfork, Hot Pod, and others. Earlier this year, Kristin Westcott Grant of Forbes pointed out comments by Spotify’s former CFO, Barry McCarthy. It's no accident: “The bigger percentage of podcast content in our mix, the bigger the margin opportunity to be had.”

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iHeartRadio's Search For “The Next Great Podcast”

iHeartRadio has announced a “search for The Next Great Podcast.” Along with content creation platform Tongal, the audio giant is seeking pitches from up-and-coming creators. Of 10 selected to produce pilot episodes, one fan favorite will be developed into the next big thing on iHeart’s podcast network. 

According to a company post, creators must “submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video.” The global contest is open to ideas of any genre, and the 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 each toward a pilot.

Broadcast veteran Dan Patrick will lead the panel of judges, all of whom are podcasters. “This is a passion project for me,” Patrick says. “There’s so much great talent out there that hasn't had the luxury of a head start from a major media company.” Applications will be accepted until Thursday, August 27th.

Memberful: Smarter Podcast Memberships

For podcasters, a strong community and stronger revenue are the dream. Memberful makes it easier than ever to have both. Used by the web’s biggest creators, Memberful is the convenient, safe, and intuitive way to sell memberships to your audience.

There are no hidden steps with Memberful: Just connect your Stripe account, add your podcast, and your listeners can subscribe immediately. Turn your content into sustainable, recurring revenue. Plus, Memberful integrates seamlessly with your favorite tools and works with your existing podcast hosting, so there's no need to change your workflow.

Your listeners already love your content. With Memberful’s features, like custom branding, gift subscriptions, Apple Pay, and free trials, you have even more tools to keep them tuned in.

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Here's what else is going on:

• Jump shot: JJ Redick of the New Orleans Pelicans and his co-host Tommy Alter are set to launch a podcast company. The NBA star tells The New York Times’ Scott Cacciola about ThreeFourTwo Productions, his five-year rise into podcasting, and reaching that 100th episode.

• It's catchy: A podcast with a great tagline, hook, or slogan is instantly memorable. What makes for an effective, enticing earworm? Kevin Anderson of The Podcast Host covers each type of “audible signpost” with examples from hit shows like Smart Passive Income.

• New groove: Podchaser’s latest update adds a variety of features, including a Twitter integration for users to follow shows and people. The podcast database has also introduced follow suggestions for discovery, ‘magic link' login, and a new user interface for onboarding.

• Get outside: You won’t find audio drama master John Scott Dryden in a studio. Slate’s June Thomas speaks with the London-based writer, director, and producer about fine-tuning accents, his work on podcast megahit Passenger List, and why to always record on location.