The Podcasting Crystal Ball: James Cridland on Industry Shifts, Metrics & What’s Next

This week on The Podcast Advertising Playbook, host Heather Osgood is joined by James Cridland, Editor of Podnews and a renowned radio futurologist, for a deep dive into the evolution of podcasting and what’s next for the industry. With years of experience analyzing trends, technology, and audience behavior, James brings valuable insights into how podcasting has transformed—and where it’s headed. In this episode, Heather and James explore: The origins of Podnews and what inspired James to create a go-to resource for podcast industry news. The biggest shifts in podcasting over the past five years and how they’ve impacted creators, advertisers, and listeners. Key trends shaping the future of podcasting and what to expect in the next 3-5 years. The ongoing debate around podcast analytics—what’s working, what’s missing, and where measurement is headed. The differences between downloads, streams, and plays—why they matter and what they really tell us about audience engagement. Why podcast players hold back data on listening behavior and what that means for advertisers and creators. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in podcast advertising and industry trends, you won’t want to miss this conversation with one of the most knowledgeable voices in the space!