PodMov Daily: Monday, February 24

Episode 148: Your Monday Mix

Publishing Perspective: Trust in Podcasting's Steady Growth

In an article for What’s New in Publishing, Esther Kezia Thorpe disputes the narrative that podcasting is heading toward an “inevitable crash [as] an overhyped format.” Thorpe is a co-host of Media Voices, which set up the first Publisher Podcast Awards.

“From the evidence I’ve seen, podcasting’s golden age is just beginning,” Thorpe writes, considering aspects of discoverability and advertising. The article addresses reports of decline mainly from the publishing perspective, countering points made in a recent Digiday piece by Max Willens.

Viewing podcasting as a gold “rush” is a mistake less widespread than we think, Thorpe says. While some publishers have overinvested, there are many examples “getting the right resources in place and scaling as demand grows, that just don’t make headlines.”

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Sponsors Next Door: How to Cultivate Existing Contacts

In Podcast Business Journal, Scott Carson of The Note Closers Show shares how podcasters can find sponsors “within one degree of separation.” The article emphasizes that its tips apply to “those willing to put their work in on the front end and provide a valuable place for marketers to spend their ad budgets.”

Securing sponsorships takes effort, but viable partners may be as close as your contacts list. “When I started my podcast, I reached out to three companies that I love and refer business to on a regular basis,” Carson writes. Don’t underestimate relationships within your circle.

Podcasting vendors and software companies you already use for your show can be solid leads as well. From personal testimonials to affiliate opportunities, organic podcast mentions are attractive options for companies to get the word out to other potential clients.

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The Top 5 Apps of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge

As students and teachers across the country prepare their submissions for this year’s Student Podcast Challenge, NPR's Diane Adame checked in with educators to find out which apps have been popular resources. NPR notes that no products are being endorsed.

The accessibility and free to low cost of these tools allow “teachers [to] focus on the substance — ideas, writing, narrative, editing — instead of process,” Adame observes. 6 instructors explain why Anchor, Audacity, WeVideo, Soundtrap, and GarageBand make the list.

Minnesota middle school teacher Eric Applen emphasizes that educators should reach out to the welcoming, encouraging podcast community: “There are tons of podcasters out there that are willing to share their stories and experience to help get others started.”

Happy Monday, readers, and boy have we got what you need. Thanks for sharing your podcasting pets! We can't get enough of this pup on the upcoming show Believer, and your editor wants to hold every. single. studio. cat.

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Here's what else is going on:

• Toast proposed: Upon its 100th episode, Wine Road has been nominated for several 2020 Taste Awards after winning Best Podcast in 2018. The same year, hosts Beth Costa Marcy Gordon were featured speakers at Podcast Movement.

• Lesson plans: The most recent alumni podcasting event at Kenyon College included a live recording and a masterclass designed to “bring students together over podcasting and potentially set new student-led shows into motion.”

• Familiar sound: Deborah Schepers, head of insights and analytics at the Johannesburg-based Primedia Broadcasting, emphasizes that “a clear, consistent sonic identity” is essential to reach audio audiences, “no matter the platform.”

• Off camera: KMOX Radio profiles 6 shows by YouTubers who have transitioned into podcasting, including Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain and Ear Biscuits, based on the popular YT show “Good Mythical Morning.”