In this episode titled “Podcasting’s Future Is Choice”, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various aspects of the podcasting industry, particularly surrounding the upcoming Podcast Movement event.
The episode begins with Todd and Rob greeting each other and discussing their plans to attend the Podcast Movement conference. They discuss the costs associated with attending the event and express hope that it will attract a good turnout. Todd mentions the high price of coffee at the venue, leading to a discussion about the costs of refreshments at such events.
They then transition to a new topic, discussing a recent article by Tom Webster that highlights a survey revealing the public still predominantly expects podcasts to be audio-based. The hosts analyze and debate the implications of the data, discussing how perceptions may be shifting regarding the definitions of podcasts as audiences encounter more video content.
Rob comments on the current state of the podcasting industry, describing it as “cloudy” due to the evolving relationship between audio and video formats. He reflects on how podcasting has become increasingly commercialized over time, similar to mainstream media, with a growing focus on monetization and advertising.
As the conversation progresses, Todd and Rob delve into a podcast study indicating that most listeners dedicate only three hours a week to podcasts, questioning the implications of such limited consumption. They also discuss the growth in podcast advertising revenue, which has reportedly risen, but express skepticism about the figures presented, particularly in light of layoffs within the industry.
Todd mentions Spotify’s plan to raise subscription costs for users outside the U.S. and discusses other industry trends, such as the dual nature of recent podcasting content. Rob notes that some networks are canceling podcasts labeled as risky because of their unfiltered content.
The hosts shift to a discussion about the upcoming Podcast Movement, focusing on the various sessions and their related topics, with a notable emphasis on video in podcasting. They also touch on the challenges of securing accommodations at the event.
Towards the closing of the episode, Todd and Rob recount their personal travel experiences and provide insights into Internet speeds available in their respective areas, reflecting on the necessary infrastructure for modern podcasting.
In conclusion, they agree to return with insights and updates from Podcast Movement in a future episode, signing off with their contact information.