Has Podcasting overtaken AM and FM Talk Radio? Well, yes and no.
This is from Edison Research’s Share of Ear Survey. In 2017, 66% of all spoken word audio was consumed over AM and FM radio. Only 13% of ears went to podcasts. Well fast forward to the second quarter of 2024. Talk Radio is at 43%, and Podcasts are catching up at 36%.
But if we dig a little deeper, among ages 13-64, Podcasting has ALREADY surpassed AM/FM Talk Radio – 41% to 39%. So the only reason the radio still wins is the 65+ demo, who pick the radio 5-1 over podcasting. So while talk radio listeners are yelling “get off my lawn!” podcasting will catch up – if not this year, probably by 2025.
This change will be accelerated by increased podcast discoverability. According to PodNews, Matthew Passy and the folks at Custom Podcast Solutions will be debuting an NFC-enabled Bluetooth Beacon. You can wear it on your wrist, and instead of telling someone to search, or scan a QR code, you can have them tap their phone to open your podcast. This is supposedly going to be on display at the Podcast Movement this August in DC., so I’ll be sure to report back.
Some Spotify-related news to close with this week
First, Spotify is ditching polls and adding comments to podcast episodes. And unlike Apple, you can approve comments, block trolls, and manage the comments on their new Spotify for Podcasters app, not to be confused with the Spotify App itself.
And finally, Spotify is now bragging that they have 250,000 Video podcasts on their platform. I’m still leery of this – I don’t want to use Spotify for Podcasters to access this tool, because I don’t want Spotify to own my show. For me, I’m going to stick to producing an audio podcast via my RSS host, Simplecast, for Apple, Spotify, and more. And I’ll put the video directly on YouTube, which has a much bigger audience than Spotify. And because these episodes are short, I’ll keep posting the video directly on my social media channels via JAG in Detroit.Because each social media app’s algorithm likes videos that keep people in their app. I’m more interested in getting my content to as many people in as many places as possible.
Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com