A weekly podcast about writing was far from what Lane DeGregory had in mind. The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at the Tampa Bay Times was drawn to developing a show around a “murder story,” but the media team at Poynter had fortuitous plans.
Just under 2 years later, WriteLane has reached its 100th episode, and “listeners in over 40 countries have downloaded the podcast more than 50,000 times.” DeGregory and co-host Maria Carrillo’s conversations span “finding story ideas, interviewing, taking notes, writing leads and endings and everything in between.”
Reflecting on the show’s learning curve and rewards, DeGregory shares wisdom for beginners and professionals alike. Among our favorites: “Don’t sweat it like you do a story you’re about to publish […] If it’s too perfect, it just wouldn’t feel right.”
“Never mind cranking TV shows out of podcast IP,” writes Manori Ravindran for Television Business International. “The real sweet spot in the audio world today is the companion podcast, with broadcasters increasingly commissioning audio production ventures for these popular brand extensions.”
Tim Hammond, executive director of audio production giant Listen, explains the recent boom in companion audio as a “cheaper, more effective way of expanding a brand’s footprint.” No longer “a last-minute add on,” podcast funding is being earmarked in production budgets from the beginning.
Hammond’s take: “Right now, podcasts are becoming a thing to talk about because broadcasters are beginning to understand the creativity behind it and the potential to commercialise the sector.”
Apple’s plan to start funding original podcasts has become clearer with word of a heavy-hitting hire. Inside Podcasting reports “unofficial news” that the company has hired Emily Ochsenschlager.
After over 15 years as a producer and editor at NPR, Ochsenschlager has been serving as National Geographic’s director of podcasts. Apple Podcasts has been a dispassionate platform for hosting and distribution, but a more hands-on strategy looks certain at this point.
“According to a source, the move is ‘the first of many [content hires] for them in the coming weeks,'” writes Skye Pillsbury. “This development appears to support a story Bloomberg published last summer, which claimed that Apple ‘plans to bankroll original podcasts to fend off rivals.'”
Happy Monday, readers, and thank you to Elena Fernández Collins for their most recent Bello Collective audio fiction roundup.
Whether you’re listening on a holiday road trip or chilling at home, may these recommendations entertain and inspire your week.
Cheers,
Team PM
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