The NPR Network brings together station-produced podcasts from across the country, reflecting the communities they serve, while NPM specializes in creating engaging campaigns that reflect the tone and style of public media. Dovetail from PRX provides the publishing, delivery, and analytics tools powering podcast distribution at scale. Together, this collaboration aligns NPM’s national sales capabilities with PRX’s platform to streamline additive support for local stations nationwide.

This collaborative model is already underway. Podcasts from Boise State Public Radio, LAist, VPM in Virginia, WGCU in Southwest Florida, WWNO in New Orleans, and others are now distributed via PRX’s Dovetail with sponsorship managed by NPM.

“We’re proud to work across the system for our collective future at a time when sustaining public media remains essential,” said Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX. “Public media’s strength starts with stations, who now have more choice in how they build and grow their podcasts. We’re excited to be working together to support them.” 

“This collaboration expands how we support stations in growing digital revenue,” said Bryan Moffett, COO of National Public Media. “By working together, we’re making it easier for stations to access the highest quality national sponsorship that fits the sound and style of public media, while using the tools that work best for them.”

Stations interested in learning more can contact PRX or NPR.

The research delivers a comprehensive picture of how UK audiences are consuming video podcasts, and the results challenge fundamental assumptions about where and how people listen.

Video Podcasts Are Now the Default in the UK

The UK is a global leader in video podcasts, with 84% of monthly consumers watching them, surpassing the US (62%) and Canada (75%) (sources below). 

The Smart TV: Podcasting’s Biggest Untapped Screen

The report highlights the Smart TV's rise as a podcast platform. With 74% of UK households owning a Smart TV, 45% of monthly UK podcast consumers now use it to watch podcasts, making it the second most popular device after smartphones (80%). Smart TVs even surpass both tablets and computers (44% each). 

FlightStory’s own YouTube viewership data, published alongside the survey findings, validates this at scale:

• The Diary of a CEO accumulated over 1.6 million hours of watch time on Smart TVs alone (29.1% of total viewing), from a total of 5.5 million hours across all devices
• We Need to Talk generated 87,337 TV hours out of 270,567 total hours (32.3% on Smart TV)
• Across all Flight Story content, Smart TV is the #2 consumption device, matching the national survey findings 

Prime Time, Premium Experience

Video podcasting is a prime-time habit (54% of monthly viewers watch 19:00-23:00), competing directly with linear TV and streaming. 44% of viewers watch with someone else, meaning headline audience figures may significantly undercount actual reach.

What drives that engagement? Authenticity: 39% of video podcast consumers rank seeing hosts and guests interact as the single most valuable on-screen element, above set design, graphics, or production values.

Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights, comments, “The data tells a clear story: podcasts have entered the living room and they are here to stay. This is no longer an emerging trend, it is a fundamental shift in how UK audiences are spending their evenings.”

Lily Taurau, Group Business Director at Flight Story, shares, “For years, the planning assumption for podcasts was simple: one listener, one pair of headphones, one commute. Our newly revealed data, in partnership with Signal Hill Insights, confirms that picture no longer holds. UK audiences are watching video podcasts on their Smart TVs at 7pm with their families, competing directly with linear TV in prime time, and that has real implications for how brands should be showing up. The brands and agencies that move first will be the ones best positioned to claim genuinely new white space."

To read the complete Podcasts in the Living Room report, please visit here.

About the Research

“Podcasts in the Living Room” is based on a nationally representative online survey of 1,003 monthly podcast consumers aged 18+ in the United Kingdom, conducted between 3 and 9 March 2026. The Pulse Report was commissioned jointly by Signal Hill Insights and Flight Story. Supplementary consumption data is drawn from Flight Story’s YouTube channel analytics for the same period.

Sources: The Canadian Podcast Listener 2025; The Podcast Landscape (U.S.) 2025

The Joe Rogan Experience, The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, and The Rest Is Politics top the list, as they did in Q4 2025. The top four shows remain in the same rank order as Q4. The full list of Top 25 podcasts is below.

Two BBC news podcasts hit a record high. Newscast breaks into the top five and Americast into the top ten. Both podcasts covered stories on the Iran War, Maduro's capture, and ICE Protests in the U.S  

Two sports podcasts also reach their highest rank on record: The Overlap and Stick to Football. 

ZOE Science & Nutrition climbed 86 ranks to enter the top 25 for the first time. The show was nominated for an iHeart best-branded podcast award in 2026. ZOE was in the spotlight in Q1 2026 after the ASA upheld a ban on a ZOE ad that claimed its supplement was "just real food.”

Mel Robbins breaks into the top 25 in the UK. Robbins was named a TIME 2026 Woman of the Year in March.

The top 25 podcasts in the UK

Podcasts Detail

• 1 (1) The Joe Rogan Experience
• 2 (2) The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
• 3 (3) The Rest is Politics
• 4 (4) The Rest is History
• 5 (7) Newscast
• 6 (6) The Rest is Football
• 7 (5) That Peter Crouch Podcast
• 8 (13) The News Agents
• 9 (19) Americast
• 10 (10) Crime Junkie
• 11 (15) The Overlap
• 12 (12) Call Her Daddy
• 13 (14) Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe
• 14 (RE) Saving Grace
• 15 (8) Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
• 16 (24) Stick to Football
• 17 (11) The Daily
• 18 (18) Uncanny
• 19 (9) Shagged Married Annoyed
• 20 (16) The Archers
• 21 (17) The Rest is Entertainment
• 22 (NEW) The Therapy Crouch
• 23 (21) Desert Island Discs
• 24 (NEW) ZOE Science & Nutrition
• 25 (NEW) The Mel Robbins Podcast

About Edison Podcast Metrics 

Edison Podcast Metrics is unique in that it is not dependent on podcast download data and does not require podcast networks to opt into its service. At least 2,000 weekly podcast consumers in the UK are surveyed each quarter, and listening behavior is collected regardless of listening platform. The same methodology is being employed in the UK as is used in the U.S.

Data from Edison Podcast Metrics UK provides show-level information on the top podcasts in the UK. Subscribers can analyze demographics, psychographics, and purchase-behavior information of weekly podcast consumers. The first Top Podcast Shows ranker in the U.S. was released by Edison Research in November 2019; the company has been tracking podcast consumption in the aggregate since 2006.  

For more information on how to become a subscriber to the full datasets, please contact info@edisonresearch.com.

Sony Germany today announces a 12-month technology partnership with OMR, one of Germany's most influential media and marketing brands. OMR's in-house production company Podstars will exclusively use Sony's broadcast-grade ecosystem to produce all of its video content, including the flagship OMR Podcast hosted by OMR CEO Philipp Westermeyer, as well as co-produced formats such as Lanz & Precht, and corporate client work across the DACH region.

The partnership marks a significant step in Podstars’ transition from audio-first to fully video-led production, reflecting one of the biggest shifts in the global podcast industry. With short-form clips on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts now the primary gateway to long-form content, every frame has to look the part – on every screen and in every format.

To meet that standard at scale, Sony has equipped Podstars with 12 Sony FX3 full-frame cameras with a full complement of G Master II zooms and primes, and Sony's Monitor & Control app for production oversight on location.

The choice of FX3 was driven as much by practicality as by image quality. Podstars shoots across a wide mix of environments – from its own studios in Hamburg to compact corporate offices across region – and needed broadcast-grade cameras that its mid-sized team could confidently operate.

“Video has changed everything in the podcast market – it’s now obligatory, and audiences expect every show, no matter how small, to look like a major production,” says Hardy Haufe, Producer at Podstars by OMR. “The FX3 delivers the image quality, the autofocus performance and the workflow flexibility we need to keep creating standout content, week after week. We can pack four cameras and six lenses into a single flight case and take it anywhere – the rooms we shoot in aren’t always the perfect studio setup, and the combination of zooms and primes means we can adapt instantly.”

Connecting studio and freelance network

Switching to a fully Sony-based ecosystem has streamlined collaboration with the freelance camera operators Podstars works with across Germany, the majority of whom already shoot on Sony and record in S-Log3. Working with a consistent platform and colour science across every shoot has made productions faster to set up, easier to grade and more predictable to deliver.

Sony’s Monitor & Control app, part of its Creators’ Cloud suite of workflow and collaboration solutions, will become an everyday tool for the production team. It enables wired and wireless monitoring of up to four cameras from a single iPhone, iPad or Mac, alongside precise exposure tools, Focus Map and LUT preview. “Our freelancers were already using Monitor & Control, and now our in-house team will do too,” adds Haufe. “Being able to preview, frame and check focus across multiple cameras from a tablet, in any room, will be game-changing for us.”

Powering a top-ranked podcast brand

OMR Podcast is one of the DACH region’s most influential business and marketing shows, currently ranked as the #1 marketing podcast on Apple Podcasts across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the #2 business podcast on Spotify in Germany – often drawing comparisons to global formats such as The Diary of a CEO.

"OMR has built a reputation across the DACH region as one of the most influential voices in digital marketing and media – and with Podstars they are now at the forefront of the move to broadcast-standard video podcasting," says Mike Williams, Head of Business Development Engineering, Sony Europe. "Our end-to-end production ecosystem applies Sony's broadcast and cinematography DNA to podcasting, social and corporate video, helping creators of every size capture and deliver professional-quality content. We're delighted to be supporting the Podstars team over the next 12 months as they extend broadcast-grade production values across every format – capturing audiences wherever they choose to watch, listen and engage.”

Sony Germany today announces a 12-month technology partnership with OMR, one of Germany's most influential media and marketing brands. OMR's in-house production company Podstars will exclusively use Sony's broadcast-grade ecosystem to produce all of its video content, including the flagship OMR Podcast hosted by OMR CEO Philipp Westermeyer, as well as co-produced formats such as Lanz & Precht, and corporate client work across the DACH region. 

The partnership marks a significant step in Podstar’s transition from audio-first to fully video-led production, reflecting one of the biggest shifts in the global podcast industry. With short-form clips on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts now the primary gateway to long-form content, every frame has to look the part – on every screen and in every format. 

To meet that standard at scale, Sony has equipped Podstars with 12 Sony FX3 full-frame cameras with a full complement of G Master II zooms and primes, and Sony's Monitor & Control app for production oversight on location. 

The choice of FX3 was driven as much by practicality as by image quality. Podstars shoots across a wide mix of environments – from its own studios in Hamburg to compact corporate offices across region – and needed broadcast-grade cameras that its mid-sized team could confidently operate. 

“Video has changed everything in the podcast market – it’s now obligatory, and audiences expect every show, no matter how small, to look like a major production,” says Hardy Haufe, Producer at Podstars by OMR. “The FX3 delivers the image quality, the autofocus performance and the workflow flexibility we need to keep creating standout content, week after week. We can pack four cameras and six lenses into a single flight case and take it anywhere – the rooms we shoot in aren’t always the perfect studio setup, and the combination of zooms and primes means we can adapt instantly.” 

Connecting studio and freelance network 

Switching to a fully Sony-based ecosystem has streamlined collaboration with the freelance camera operators Podstars works with across Germany, the majority of whom already shoot on Sony and record in S-Log3. Working with a consistent platform and colour science across every shoot has made productions faster to set up, easier to grade and more predictable to deliver. 

Sony’s Monitor & Control app, part of its Creators’ Cloud suite of workflow and collaboration solutions, will become an everyday tool for the production team. It enables wired and wireless monitoring of up to four cameras from a single iPhone, iPad or Mac, alongside precise exposure tools, Focus Map and LUT preview. “Our freelancers were already using Monitor & Control, and now our in-house team will do too,” adds Haufe. “Being able to preview, frame and check focus across multiple cameras from a tablet, in any room, will be game-changing for us.” 

Powering a top-ranked podcast brand 

OMR Podcast is one of the DACH region’s most influential business and marketing shows, currently ranked as the #1 marketing podcast on Apple Podcasts across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the #2 business podcast on Spotify in Germany – often drawing comparisons to global formats such as The Diary of a CEO. 

"OMR has built a reputation across the DACH region as one of the most influential voices in digital marketing and media – and with Podstars they are now at the forefront of the move to broadcast-standard video podcasting," says Mike Williams, Head of Business Development Engineering, Sony Europe. "Our end-to-end production ecosystem applies Sony's broadcast and cinematography DNA to podcasting, social and corporate video, helping creators of every size capture and deliver professional-quality content. We're delighted to be supporting the Podstars team over the next 12 months as they extend broadcast-grade production values across every format – capturing audiences wherever they choose to watch, listen and engage.”

Supporting Cast, the leading podcast subscription platform for top-tier podcasters, today announced that it is the first and only subscription podcast hosting platform to deliver gated, subscriber-only video on Spotify using Spotify's Distribution API. Subscribers who connect their Spotify account to a publisher's Supporting Cast-powered account can now watch exclusive video episodes natively in the Spotify app alongside the rest of their audio and video library. 

The launch extends the Spotify integration model that Supporting Cast pioneered with Spotify Open Access in 2021, which allowed paying subscribers to listen to exclusive, ad-free episodes inside Spotify. With video now flowing through the same entitlement system, Supporting Cast publishers can offer a single subscription that delivers premium audio and premium video  wherever the listener prefers to consume it.

"Our partners initially built subscription programs focused on gated audio to monetize their podcast audiences," said David Stern, CEO of Supporting Cast. “Now that they’re investing in video, we expect this medium will follow a similar trajectory. Our competitors are largely focused on driving video consumption in their proprietary apps, while Supporting Cast and our partners expect growth in the open ecosystem where Spotify Open Access is a key pillar."

LAUNCH PARTNERS

Two journalist-led independent podcasts are first out of the gate: Libero, launched in 2025 by a collective of leading football writers from The Athletic, The New York Times, and The Independent; and Legacy, hosted by historian Peter Frankopan and journalist Afua Hirsch, which reexamines the lives of historical figures. Goalhanger (The Rest Is Politics, The Rest Is History), Vox Media, Jim Harold’s Campfire, Filmspotting, and Betches Media will follow later in Q2 with their own subscriber-only video on Spotify published via Supporting Cast.

"As an industry, podcasting still has a lot to learn about video content, but we've consistently found anything that brings our audiences closer to the hosts they adore drives subscription growth," said Jim Harold, creator and host of The Paranormal Podcast. "Video is a key driver of that growth because it helps audiences envision themselves in the room with us. With so much of our audience consuming content on Spotify, Supporting Cast's new integration means that subscribers won't have to leave the app to listen to the shows they love. What’s more, potential new subscribers can be introduced to the gated content within the app where they're already consuming their favorite shows."

WHY IT MATTERS FOR THE INDUSTRY

Spotify announced its Distribution API on January 7, 2026, naming five hosting partners at launch, all of them serving the open, ad-supported video market. Supporting Cast's integration is the first to use the Distribution API for entitlement-gated, subscriber-only video, opening a new monetization surface for premium podcasters who want the reach of Spotify without giving up the recurring revenue of a direct subscriber relationship.

The release also closes a long-standing gap in the subscription podcast market. While Spotify for Creators technically allowed publishers to upload gated video by replacing a previously published audio episode, the manual workflow made it impractical at scale. That meant that publishers wanting to offer premium video had to either maintain a separate paid YouTube channel or members-only website, fragmenting their audience, or accept that premium subscribers on Spotify would only ever access the audio version of their content. Supporting Cast's integration unifies the experience with one subscription that unlocks both audio and video where the viewer already is.

HOW IT WORKS

Publishers upload or attach video to any episode in the Supporting Cast admin and either publish the episode immediately or schedule it for future publishing. If the publisher has connected a feed to Spotify via Supporting Cast's existing integration, episodes with video are automatically delivered to Spotify as video; episodes without video continue to deliver as audio. For the podcasters, there are no extra workflow steps and no double-publishing errors. When it comes to measuring the performance of the content, podcasters only need to track one place as Spotify analytics for video appear alongside audio metrics in the publisher's Spotify for Creators dashboard.

For listeners, the experience is seamless: Spotify subscribers who have linked their Spotify account to a Supporting Cast publisher's premium feed see video episodes appear in the app exactly the way free episodes do, and can choose at any time to watch or to dismiss the screen and continue listening as audio.

Today, Apple News announced that After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe will return on June 7 for a third season, which will feature the iconic duo’s passionate and hilarious coverage of the upcoming World Cup. Brendan Hunt, actor and cocreator of the Emmy Award-winning Apple TV series Ted Lasso, and Rebecca Lowe, host of NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage and cohost of FOX Sports’ FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, will break down key games and recap the most exciting moments on and off the pitch.

“We are thrilled to bring After the Whistle back for a third season,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services and Health. “Brendan and Rebecca have an incredible ability to capture the energy and passion of the World Cup. Their unique dynamic and deep love for soccer make this show an absolute can’t-miss for fans everywhere.”

“The World Cup is always unpredictable except for one thing — it’s guaranteed to repeatedly leave me an emotional wreck,” said Hunt. “Lucky for me, I’ll have these regular chats with the great Rebecca Lowe to get me through it. And maybe, just maybe, these same chats can help everybody else get through the tournament, too.”

“When Brendan and I get together to talk about the beautiful game, it usually includes hysterical laughter, a few tears, or something in between,” said Lowe. “And with one of the biggest sporting and cultural events of our lifetimes being our backdrop this time, I can’t wait for the emotional roller coaster that this World Cup will take us on, and getting to relive it all with Brendan on After the Whistle.”

Produced by Apple News, and presented by Verizon, After the Whistle will be available in audio and video on Apple News, Apple Podcasts, and wherever users get their podcasts. The trailer is available now on Apple News and Apple Podcasts, and on social media with @AfterTheWhistleApple. The first episode will kick off on June 7 for tournament previews, and run throughout the World Cup. New episodes will be available multiple times a week in the hours following momentous games.

Additionally, soccer fans can keep up with all of the action throughout the World Cup in the Apple News app, which will provide the latest news and analysis from top publishers; the tournament schedule, scores, and brackets; news feeds with the stories on some of the most prominent players; as well as the option to follow their favorite teams. 

Users can also keep up with the tournament in Apple Sports — the free app for iPhone that gives access to real-time play-by-play with Live Activities,(1) enhanced detailed game pages with in-depth statistics and visual lineup formations, and additional insights into the tournament, including a bracket view. And users’ favorited teams and leagues seamlessly sync across Apple News, Apple Sports, and Apple TV.

About Apple News

Apple News offers millions of people in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia access to quality journalism from thousands of publications across the globe. The Sports feed in Apple News allows users to easily follow their favorite teams and leagues; receive stories from hundreds of top publishers; access scores, schedules, and standings for the top professional and college leagues; receive personalized notifications for their followed sports and teams; and watch highlights right in the News app. 

• 1. To get Live Activities, fans must be on compatible Apple devices running iOS 18 or later, and watchOS 11 or later.

AdLarge and the fwd. network today announced that Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, the acclaimed podcast hosted by activist, writer, producer, public speaker, and Vanity Fair contributing editor Monica Lewinsky, has officially joined the fwd. network portfolio.

The announcement follows Lewinsky’s recognition at the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, where she received the Gracie Award for “Best Audio Podcast Host” for Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, a podcast centered around meaningful and revealing conversations about identity, resilience and finding our way back to ourselves.

“Monica is one of the most resilient, influential, and culturally important voices in media today,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. 

Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Podcasts of 2025” and included in The Guardian’s “20 Best Podcasts of 2025,” Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, launched in February 2025, features thoughtful and unguarded conversations exploring vulnerability, identity, resilience, and how we make sense of the world through the broader lens of reclaiming, getting back what was lost, taken, or redefined in our lives. Through candid discussions with cultural figures, experts, and friends, Lewinsky creates a space where guests feel safe to share deeply personal stories with honesty, warmth, and humor. Notable guests have included Miley Cyrus, John Oliver, Lena Dunham, Lizzo, Malala, Olivia Munn, Alan Cumming, and Dylan Mulvaney.

Drawing from her own unique experience navigating public scrutiny and personal transformation, Lewinsky approaches each conversation with empathy and curiosity, exploring how people find their way back to themselves.

“Reclaiming has always been about creating honest conversations around identity, humanity, and what it means to move forward after difficult experiences,” said Monica Lewinsky. “I’m excited to partner with the fwd. network, a team that understands the importance of meaningful storytelling and supporting voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”

A leading voice on issues surrounding public shaming, cyberbullying, and resilience, Lewinsky has transformed her own lived experience into influential advocacy work focused on digital resilience, online compassion, privacy, and accountability. In April 2026, she was honored with the “Woman of the 21st Century Award” at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Luncheon for her advocacy and cultural impact.

In 2015, after a decade out of the public eye, Lewinsky authored the Vanity Fair essay “Shame and Survival,” a deeply personal examination of public humiliation and survival that was nominated for a National Magazine Award. Her landmark TED Talk, The Price of Shame, has since been viewed more than 22 million times worldwide.

Beyond podcasting and advocacy, Lewinsky has built an acclaimed career across television, film, journalism, and production. She served as an executive producer on Hulu’s The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, which premiered in 2025, as well as executive producer of HBO Max’s 15 Minutes of Shame. She also previously served as a producer on Ryan Murphy’s FX series Impeachment: American Crime Story.

Her advocacy campaigns have included #ClickWithCompassion and the Emmy-nominated PSA In Real Life in partnership with BBDO New York, along with additional award-winning initiatives focused on online compassion, mental health, and civic engagement. In 2024, Lewinsky partnered with Reformation and Vote.org on the national “You’ve Got the Power” voter registration campaign, encouraging young people to register and participate in elections. She currently serves on the advisory board of Project Rockit and is an Ambassador for The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Program in the United Kingdom. 

“Through her advocacy, storytelling, and willingness to lead important conversations around perseverance, identity, compassion, and personal growth, Monica has empowered countless people around the world,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Reclaiming represents exactly the kind of fearless, meaningful, and deeply human storytelling we want to elevate through the fwd. network, and we are honored to welcome Monica to the network.”

New episodes of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky are available every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

For advertising inquiries, please contact sales@adlarge.com.

"AIR has been proud to partner with a fund that invested directly in talent and reinforced the importance of building a more accessible and sustainable audio industry," Keisha Salmon, AIR Media's executive director said. "While we’re saddened to see the Fund conclude, its impact will continue through the people and projects it helped elevate."

Grant recipients submitted (and sometimes won) in dozens of national and international competitions, including: The Ambies, The Webby Awards, The International Women's Podcast Awards, Tribeca Festival, The Podcast Awards, Third Coast International Audio Festival, AAPA Golden Crane Awards, The Radio Academy Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS), British Podcast Awards, Black Podcasting Awards, Anthem Awards, AdWeek Podcast Award, Audio Production Awards, Australian Podcast Awards, Kidscreen Award, and American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Podcast Competition.

"It has been our absolute honor to manage the Fund pro bono all these years, and a true joy to see the real-life impact it has had on so many people in our field," the Fund's creator and LWC Studios founder Juleyka Lantigua said.

Goalhanger has launched Goalhanger Ventures, a new investment and partnerships arm created to back high-quality, creator-led media businesses with strong potential across video, social, audio, live and commercial platforms.

Its first activity includes an equity investment in Invisible Media, the company behind fast-growing digital media platform The Invisible Hand, and a new commercial partnership with Backyard Cricket, one of the UK’s most distinctive emerging sports creator brands.

The launch marks the next stage in Goalhanger’s evolution as a modern, platform-agnostic media company, supporting ambitious digital-first creators with strong editorial identities, highly engaged communities and clear routes to growth.

First, Goalhanger has made an equity investment in Invisible Media, founded by Charlie Tymon, to support the company’s next phase of development. Invisible Media has built a growing audience through smart, accessible video storytelling focused on economics, business, geopolitics and culture.

At the heart of the business is The Invisible Hand, a digital media platform built around the idea that “curiosity is the gateway to understanding the world”. Its videos unpack the forces shaping modern life, from markets and money to global power and national economies, in a way that feels sharp, visual and accessible. Invisible Media is also developing new specialist formats, including The Invisible Game, on the hidden economics behind everyday life and business decisions

Charlie Tymon, Founder of Invisible Media, said: “Goalhanger has built a strong track record of bringing together audiences around intelligent, accessible conversation across politics, history and entertainment. With The Invisible Hand, we’ve already shown that younger UK audiences are engaging at scale with content about macroeconomics, business and geopolitics, proving there is a real appetite for serious ideas when they are delivered with clarity, energy and purpose. Through this investment, we’ll be able to draw on Goalhanger’s expertise in building, scaling and monetising industry-leading IP as we grow a brilliantly aligned, YouTube-first business with huge potential.”

Second, Goalhanger is also partnering with Backyard Cricket, the cricket content brand created by Yorkshire brothers James and Mark Wood. The pair began making videos in their family garden during lockdown and have since built a major following, travelling around the world to create cricket content that blends humour, personality and a genuine love of the game.

Goalhanger will provide funding and strategic support to help Backyard Cricket grow across production, longer-form video, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and merchandise, with both sides sharing in the commercial upside. The collaboration will draw on Goalhanger’s experience in building talent-led media brands while giving James and Mark more time to focus on developing and appearing in content.

Navid Behroozi, Executive Producer at Backyard Cricket, said: “James and Mark have already done the hardest part: they have earned a huge amount of attention by making cricket feel fun, personal and culturally relevant online. Our job now is to help turn that momentum into a more sustainable business around the content. By giving them more production support and helping open up new commercial opportunities, we can let them spend more time doing what their audience comes for - creating brilliant cricket entertainment.”

James and Mark Wood, Co-Founders of Backyard Cricket, said: “Backyard Cricket started with us playing in the garden, arguing over close calls and sending decisions upstairs for DRS. It was never meant to be too serious, but we’ve always taken the cricket seriously. The last few years have been mad for the channel, and it’s been brilliant seeing how far the game travels. Working with Goalhanger gives us the chance to build on that and keep growing Backyard Cricket even further.”

Goalhanger Ventures builds on the company’s wider commitment to developing the next generation of digital media talent, following the launch of The Accelerator in January. The Accelerator offers selected creators investment, training, mentorship and access to Goalhanger’s editorial, creative and commercial leadership, creating a pathway from short-form digital talent into longer-form IP and sustainable media careers.

Jack Davenport, Co-Founder of Goalhanger, added: “Goalhanger Ventures is about giving exceptional creator-led businesses the infrastructure to grow without losing what made them special in the first place. Invisible Media and Backyard Cricket are very different propositions, but they both have that rare combination of editorial clarity, audience trust and genuine momentum. Our role is to help them scale thoughtfully, commercially and creatively, while protecting the independence, personality and quality that their communities already respond to.”

ABC’s award‑winning true crime podcast Unravel returns for a new gripping season exploring the mysterious disappearance of 27‑year‑old Queenslander Jack McLennan. The first two episodes of Unravel: What Became of Jack? are available now on ABC listen.

Jack McLennan had been drinking beers at a picnic spot three hours outside Brisbane when, his mate says, he looked away, and when he looked back, Jack was gone.

Strong and fit, and despite a recent breakup, Jack had seemed positive. Then he vanished, and strange clues began to emerge, hinting at his final movements.

“You could nearly say an alien took him away because he's just vanished,” said his mother, Kellie.

In the weeks that followed, pieces of Jack’s life surfaced: his hat, his wallet, his shoes, found kilometres apart in places that didn’t make sense. His parents began to suspect foul play.

“It's just nonsensical, where the stuff is. It's been scattered,” said his father, Ross McLennan.

As online theories spread, ABC journalist Rob Burgin sets out to investigate, tracing the fragments of that night through small Queensland towns where everyone knows one another, and everyone has a different version of what happened.

Was a crime committed? In the absence of answers, tensions rise and whispers turn to accusations, threatening to derail the search for truth.

As new witnesses come forward, Burgin uncovers a deeper, darker story revealing secrets at the heart of Queensland’s South Burnett region.

SpotsNow today announced the launch of its campaign planner for podcast advertising, designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in media buying: building a high-quality host-read campaign has historically taken weeks of manual research, spreadsheets, and relationship-driven back-and-forth. With SpotsNow, what used to take a media buyer one to three days now takes under ten minutes.

The biggest single point of failure in a performance campaign is advertisers spending ad dollars on the wrong show for their brand. Everything else is optimization on top of that. This mismatching problem is likely costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars a year, as advertisers misread podcast performance and quietly shift budget back to mainstream digital channels.

Built on a database of 69,000+ shows representing Billions in tracked ad spend, the new planner evaluates more than 100 data points across more than 69,000 shows (every show with verified ad history), using sophisticated matching across advertiser renewal patterns, ad load, expected share of voice, and proprietary signals drawn from the strategies of top media buyers. Advertisers and agencies can go from blank brief to a fully built, network-ready media plan in minutes, and download the result as a CSV.

"These aren't decisions that are easily computable from the human mind. There are too many layers. We've built the planner to handle the matching work that buyers have always wished they had time to do properly, so they can spend their judgment on the creative and the strategy instead." — Cam Pritchard, Founder and CEO, SpotsNow

Cam Pritchard, Founder and CEO of SpotsNow, came from one of the most successful marketplaces in the US - Thumbtack - where matching the right customer to the right professional was the foundation of the entire business. Bringing that same matching discipline to podcast advertising is the core thesis of the company.

How It Works

On the SpotsNow home page:

• Tell SpotsNow about your brand. Advertisers start by entering their website, the audience they want to reach, and key demographics.
• SpotsNow goes into deep research mode. The planner analyzes the brand against the full catalogue of more than 69,000 shows and carefully structures the campaign composition with the highest likelihood of performance. Each recommendation comes with estimated ROAS ranges and estimated benchmark pricing, giving advertisers a clear starting point on what to spend and what to expect from their show selection.
• Matched remnant inventory can be added to cart. Shows that list remnant inventory on SpotsNow appear in a dedicated section directly beneath the recommended campaign, surfaced only when the inventory matches the advertiser's brief. This gives publishers a meaningful new edge: their open spots are placed in front of qualified, ready-to-buy advertisers at the exact moment of decision.

It is a clean win on both sides — advertisers discover relevant inventory they would never have surfaced on their own, and publishers monetize spots that would otherwise go unsold.

Built Agency Tough

The planner is purpose-built for agency workflows as well as for new advertisers, with granular sharing controls that let teams show and hide specific pieces of information at the proposal phase - pricing, alternate show options, or anything else that needs to stay behind the scenes. This has been transformative internally for the SpotsNow team with its own advertiser roster, and is now available to every agency on the platform.

"Planning a podcast campaign well has always been one of the most time-intensive parts of the job, and the tooling hasn't kept up with the size of the medium. What SpotsNow is building gives buyers a much faster, more transparent way to evaluate shows on the things that actually matter. It removes a lot of the manual work without removing the judgment that good media buyers bring." — Jess Robine, SpotsNow Advisor & EVP at ARM

Free to Use, Aligned Incentives

In its current state, the SpotsNow planner is free for advertisers and publishers to use. You just need to create an account to save your media plans.

SpotsNow monetizes in two aligned ways today: remnant spots sold through the marketplace, and managed campaigns run for early-stage advertisers who want hands-on execution. SpotsNow only earns when a campaign actually transacts, keeping incentives aligned with advertisers and publishers alike.

Availability

The SpotsNow planner is live today at https://spotsnow.io. Advertisers can build a campaign in minutes. Publishers can claim a free account to receive leads.

Australia's audio industry is growing faster than it has ever been recognised. Radio reaches millions daily. Podcasting has become a booming multi-million-dollar economy. Audiobooks are the fastest-growing format in publishing. Voice-over artists have shaped the sound of Australian life for decades. The industry has never been more active, more diverse, or more in need of an initiative that can hold all of it together.

That initiative is SONARR. Short for Sound and Narrative, it covers the full audio landscape across Podcast, Radio, Audiobook, and Voice-over. With 35 categories, a dedicated $10,000 prize pool split evenly between Commercial and Indie streams, practitioner-led judging, and a formal gala dinner on 15 October 2026 at Machine Hall, SONARR is not a replacement for what came before. It is something the industry has not had before.

The Australian Commercial Radio Awards ran for decades before ending in 2025. The last Australian Podcast Awards was held in 2024. Pariya Taherzadeh, an award-winning executive producer and academic, founded SONARR in response: an independent program that spans the full medium, recognises independent creators on equal footing with major networks, and pairs genuine accessibility with the prestige of a proper gala presentation.

Built for the Audio Industry as It Exists Today

Australia's audio industry has four active and disruptive cores: Podcast, Radio, Audiobook, and Voice-over. Each is growing and each has produced exceptional work. SONARR's 35 categories are organised into six judging blocks spanning Sound, Narrative, Voice, Impact, Vision, and the Grand Prize, covering everything from technical sound design and sonic identity to long-form storytelling and multiplatform marketing.

The program explicitly recognises creators who have historically been marginalised in industry awards, with dedicated categories for First Nations creators, CALD, LGBTQIA+, female creators, students, and independent producers. Submission fees are structured to be genuinely accessible to independent and emerging creators, not only those backed by major networks.

AFTRS Named as Founding Educational Partner

The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has joined SONARR as its Founding Educational Partner, with naming rights attached to the ‘AFTRS Narrative Excellence Award’, recognising outstanding original audio storytelling across fiction and non-fiction work.

"Audio in Australia is not one simple industry. It’s a vast, multifaceted world of radio, podcast, audiobook, and voice, converging into something entirely new every day. SONARR exists to recognise that convergence, to elevate the craft that drives it, and to make sure the creators building this future are finally seen. Not just the biggest ones, but the independent, the regional, and the underrepresented." - Pariya Taherzadeh, Executive Producer and Founder, SONARR Awards

Pariya Taherzadeh. Pic: Amirnasser Dabaghian

The 35 SONARR Award Categories

Sound

• Audio Production Award
• Sound Design & Atmosphere Award
• Original Sonic Identity Award

Narrative -  AFTRS Narrative Excellence Award 

• Audio Drama Award
• Investigative & Documentary Award
• Cultural & Social Insight Award
• News & Public Discourse Award
• Knowledge & Learning Award
• STEM Award
• Business & Entrepreneurship Award
• Health & Wellbeing Award
• Entertainment & Lifestyle Award
• Comedy Award
• Youth & Family Award
• Arts & Culture Award
• Music Award

Voice

• Indie Creator Excellence Award
• First Nations Creator Excellence Award
• Female Creator Excellence Award
• LGBTQIA+ Creator Excellence Award
• CALD Creator Excellence Award
• Student Creator Excellence Award
• Host / Presenter Excellence Award
• Producer Excellence Award
• Performance / Acting Excellence Award
• Network Excellence Award

Impact

• Community Wave Maker Award
• Innovation Award
• Audience Connection Award

Vision

• Video for Audio Award
• Visual Identity Award
• Events for Audio Award
• Marketing for Audio Award

Grand Award

• Audio Work of the Year (Commercial/Indie)

Independent podcast Lamestream will celebrate its first birthday with a national live tour across June and July 2026, with additional shows in Sydney and Melbourne announced after the original dates sold out within 24 hours.

Hosted by award-winning journalists Osman Faruqi and Scott Mitchell, Lamestream offers a fresh alternative to mainstream Australian media and is hosted exclusively by Acast.

Presented in partnership with CLBR, Lamestream Live: The First Birthday Tour will feature Faruqi and Mitchell delivering a mid-year temperature check on media, politics and current affairs, alongside new podcast segments, special guests and audience Q&As.

Guests include Grace Tame, activist and former Australian of the Year (Sydney), Hannah Thomas, lawyer and survivor of police brutality (Melbourne), Amy Remeikis, journalist and author (Canberra) and Sophie McNeill, former ABC Middle East Correspondent and member of WA Parliament (Perth).

Since launching in April 2025, Lamestream has surpassed half a million downloads and now reaches more than one million people each month across social media.

The podcast has averaged 20% month-on-month growth in downloads and listeners so far in 2026, underscoring growing demand for independent news, politics, and cultural commentary.

The growth reflects a broader shift in media consumption, with audiences increasingly turning to independent journalists and creators over traditional news institutions. According to Acast’s Podcast Pulse 2025 report, podcast hosts are now considered just as trustworthy as journalists by audiences (33% respectively).

“When we left our jobs and launched an independent podcast last year, we weren’t sure who would listen or whether it would actually be a viable business,” said Faruqi and Mitchell.

“It’s been incredible to watch the show grow, build such a dedicated audience, and turn our idea into a sustainable new media business.

“We’re really excited to celebrate turning one with our listeners around the country and share some plans for what’s coming next.”

Following sold-out debut live shows in Sydney and Melbourne last year, Lamestream will embark on its first national tour, visiting Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.

Tickets are priced at $49.90 and are on sale now via the Lamestream website.

Tour dates

• Tuesday, June 16 – The Night Cat, Melbourne (new show added)
• Wednesday, June 17 – The Night Cat, Melbourne (sold out)
• Tuesday, June 23 – The Vanguard, Sydney (new show added)
• Wednesday, June 24 – The Vanguard, Sydney (sold out)
• Thursday, June 25 – La La Land, Brisbane
• Saturday, June 27 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
• Wednesday, July 1 – Rhino Room, Adelaide
• Thursday, July 2 – Goodwill Club, Perth

About the hosts

Osman Faruqi is an Australian Podcast Award and Kennedy Award-winning journalist and editor. He has worked as Editor and Executive Producer of 7am, Head of Audio at Schwartz Media and most recently Culture Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He has worked as a journalist and editor at the ABC and previously hosted acclaimed podcasts The Culture and The Drop.

Scott Mitchell is an Australian Podcast Award-winning journalist and editor. He most recently worked as Editor and Executive Producer of 7am. Prior to that, he was Digital Lead for Audio Current Affairs at ABC News, founding producer of the Rose d’Or-winning You Can't Ask That and a cast member of Hungry Beast.

In a cultural moment increasingly defined by loneliness and evolving definitions of connection,  a new podcast turns its focus to one of the most essential yet under-examined forces in modern life: friendship.

Two Peas on a Pod, a weekly interview-style podcast centered on the power of platonic connection, launches May 21st in partnership with Podcast Nation (The Telepathy Tapes, Sorry We’re Cyrus). Hosted by clinical psychologist and friendship expert,  Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, whose work has been featured in The New York Times and Time Magazine. The series explores the emotional, psychological, and cultural dynamics that shape our closest friendships. 

Created by Zoe Travis, of Secret Weapon, and television host and producer Matthew Hoffman (Cheap A-$ Beach Houses, Love Island USA), the format brings together celebrity friends, researchers, and cultural voices in candid conversations about how friendships are formed, sustained, and transformed over time.

Two Peas on a Pod  is repped by Alison Chesneau at UTA. Executive Producers: Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, Matthew Hoffman, and Secret Weapon’s Zoe Travis and Katya Kaminsky, in partnership with Podcast Nation. Secret Weapon is repped by Anthony DiBiase at IAG. 

Initial guests include Tabitha Brown, Constance Zimmer, Ashley Iaconetti, Heidi Clements, and Neha Ruch. The podcast is recorded in Los Angeles and Montreal.

The Advertising Landscape UK, based on a weighted sample of 5,033 adults, is the first large-scale UK study to measure how British audiences actually experience podcast advertising compared to over 20 other ad-supported media platforms. 

According to the report, podcasting in the UK is no longer a niche medium. Forty-three percent of British adults now listen to a podcast monthly. Among those listeners, 56% tune in daily or almost daily. The research also found that peak daily engagement is concentrated in the 35 to 54 year-old demographic, where engagement reaches 60–61%.

“For any media buyers who have thought of podcasts as a supplementary channel, this report will challenge every plan you’ve written for this year,” said Tom Webster, Partner at Sounds Profitable. “It’s undeniable that podcasting has reached mainstream with UK audiences. With more than half of monthly listeners saying they tune into podcasts on a near daily basis, that proves they are bringing their favorite shows along with them in their regular routines.”

The reach of ad-supported podcasting with 18-34 year-olds is a particularly compelling story: it’s tied with broadcast TV with 25-34, and has pulled ahead of broadcast TV with 18-24 year-olds. The report also uncovered that of the 79% of UK podcast listeners who recalled hearing a podcast ad in the past week, there is equal attention paid by gender (79% male / 80% female), a phenomenon also observed in the US version of The Advertising Landscape by Sounds Profitable. 

“The UK has long been written off as an advertising-resistant market, but this data suggests a much different diagnosis,” said Ben Robins, Founder at Sound Insights. “British audiences aren't resistant to advertising. They hold it to a higher standard and podcasting is clearing that bar.”

According to the findings, 44% of UK podcast listeners recalled ever making a purchase after hearing a podcast ad. Additionally, for those who have consumed a podcast ad in the last three months, 30% of podcast listeners searched for more information, 20% discussed the product with others, and 14% wrote down a promo code.

Purchase conversion of this scale does not happen without trust. According to The Advertising Landscape UK, podcasts score highest of any legacy medium on "trust the messenger" (22%) and lead all creator platforms on host transparency (29%).

The findings also underscore that the audience profile reinforces the value. According to the research, UK podcast listeners over-index sharply on higher household incomes: nearly 2x at £60,000+, 2.5x at £80,000+, and 3x at £120,000+. Brands reaching this audience through podcast advertising are not reaching a general market. They are reaching a disproportionately affluent, purchase-ready, trust-driven consumer segment.

To download The Advertising Landscape UK report please visit: https://soundsprofitable.com/research/uk-advertising-landscape-2026/.

The global podcasting conversation will return to Halifax this June as Echo Podcast Summit 2026 brings together creators, platforms, broadcasters, and industry leaders for a full day of discussion centred on one defining theme: community.

Hosted at the Halifax Convention Centre, this year’s summit marks a significant expansion in scale and ambition, building on the momentum of its inaugural year. With support from Acast, Amazon Music, and Podstarter, alongside speakers from Youtube, AMI, Canadaland and CBC. 

Echo 2026 is positioning Halifax once again as a growing hub for meaningful conversations about the future of podcasting. The summit explores how podcasting is evolving beyond content into something deeper: communities built on trust, shared identity, and sustained engagement.

“Podcasting has always been powerful because of its intimacy,” said Rhys Waters, Founder of Podstarter and organizer of Echo Podcast Summit. “But magic happens when we see the shift  from audiences to communities. The creators who understand that shift are the ones building something that lasts.”

Throughout the day, discussions will focus on:

• How creators are building loyal, participatory communities around their shows.
• The sociology and psychology of community building.
• The role of platforms like YouTube in shaping podcast discovery and engagement.
• The long-term value of community-driven growth over short-term reach.

The event will also feature two live podcast recording sessions from CBC and Canadaland, where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the audience.

Support from industry titans like Acast has allowed a global lens on podcasting to find a home in Halifax. "Acast's mission in Canada -- and around the world -- is to support the flourishing podcast industry. For the creators who are the lifeblood of our ecosystem, as well as the audiences and advertisers who fuel the growth of the space, we are committed to amplifying these important conversations throughout a healthy media environment. " Heather Gordon, Managing Director of ACAST Canada.

Speakers include:

Yael Strasberg, the Creator Network Development Manager for Acast Canada, where she heads up Acast Canada’s acquisition and development slate. Heather Gordon, Managing Director, Acast Canada A digital media sales veteran, Heather story weaves through CHUM, MuchMusic and the CBC. Alex Paterson, YouTube’s Podcast Lead for Canada, helping creators, networks and media companies grow on Canada’s most listened to podcast platform.

Giles Crouch, Digital Anthropologist, focused on the invisible cultural forces that shape markets; the rituals, tensions, and meanings that make humans buy, believe, and belong. Mike Bubbins one of the voices behind The Socially Distant Sports Bar, The show, co-hosted with Elis James and Steff Garrero, has become a genuine success story, with hundreds of episodes, a thriving premium audience & sold-out live dates.

Sam Konnert, a host and reporter with Canadaland Politics. Formerly a reporter and podcast producer with CBC, he’s been with Canadaland for 2.5 years. Emily McPhail, Canadaland’s Communications and Audience Engagement Coordinator. She is passionate about amplifying powerful stories and fostering real conversations with audiences. 

Noor Azrieh, journalist, producer, and award-winning host of Canadaland Politics. She has produced long-form documentaries for Commons and reported on complex international investigations, such as the Copernic Affair. Aviva Lessard, an award-winning producer and journalist with expertise in audio storytelling and sound design. She is the senior producer of Canadaland Politics, a weekly podcast focused on federal politics. 

Grace Scoffield, Producer, AMI-audio. An audio content creator with an interest in podcasts, radio, voiceover work, and promotional content production. Ramya Amuthan, Producer of Reflections on AMI-audio. Co-host of Kelly and Ramya on Accessible Media Inc, the live afternoon entertainment and lifestyle show on AMI-tv and AMI-audio, conversing on a variety of topics relating to and concerning the disability community in Canada.

Jennie Bovard, Creator & host of the Low Vision Moments podcast, where she discusses her experiences with albinism and low vision. Steven Scott, broadcaster, podcaster, and proud voice behind Double Tap on AMI-audio, the daily tech show where we explore the world of accessible technology with honesty, humour, and heart. Jeff Overmars, new podcaster, public sector communications and policy strategist with more than eighteen years of experience advancing human rights, accessibility, and public engagement in Nova Scotia.

Tickets are available now, with limited seating for this exclusive event. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

Available as activation-ready segments within The Trade Desk platform, these insights allow buyers to move beyond traditional show- or genre-level targeting and discover new audiences and content with greater precision and control. The integration helps advertisers scale investment in programmatic audio by improving discoverability, contextual relevance and activation efficiency across podcast inventory.

Sounder.AI enables advertisers to align messaging with relevant topics and themes across podcast and inventory. By organizing spoken-word content into contextual categories such as sports, business, travel, and technology, advertisers can make more informed, content-driven buying decisions and improve campaign relevance.

“Programmatic audio is entering a new phase of maturity, where context and transparency are critical to unlocking its full potential,” said Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer, Triton Digital. “By embedding Sounder.AI within The Trade Desk, Triton Digital continues to advance the infrastructure supporting programmatic audio, delivering scalable, intelligent solutions that empower advertisers and publishers alike.”

The integration also strengthens brand safety and suitability in audio environments. Sounder’s AI models analyze spoken content to identify contextual risk signals and categorize inventory accordingly, helping advertisers align campaigns with suitable content while maintaining reach and scale.

“Audio remains one of the most compelling environments on the open internet because it combines premium content, consumer attention, and addressable inventory,” said Will Doherty, SVP of Inventory Development at The Trade Desk. “Adding more signal gives advertisers increased confidence in what they are buying. We welcome the work that companies like Sounder.AI are doing to advance the value of inventory for buyers.”

The integration is now live for advertisers.

Audio Always has appointed Nicky Unsworth FIPA as Non-Executive Chair as Audio Always more than doubles its monthly audience in the space of a year. In April 2025, Audio Always shows were being listened to and watched 4.2 million times a month. As of April 2026, that figure is 8.5 million. Monthly YouTube views across the network have tripled from an average of 500,000 to over 1.5 million.

In the past year, the Audio Always network has expanded significantly, welcoming major shows including The Teen Commandments and The Girls Bathroom and as of this week, broadcast legend Natalie Cassidy joins the network with her hit podcast Natalie Cassidy’s Life With Nat. Help I Sexted My Boss has sold out an arena tour and has become the first UK podcast to be licensed to MTV UK. Recent launches Get A Grip and Fact Up with Joe and James have found loyal and growing audiences. And the network itself has been nominated for Audio Brand of the Year at the 2026 ARIAs.

Bringing three decades of experience in advertising and marketing to the role, Nicky spent fifteen years as CEO and co-owner of BJL, the creative communications agency that she ultimately initiated and led a trade-sale buyout to Dentsu, and has since built a reputation as one of the most respected board advisors and non-executive directors working across the UK’s creative industries.

She sat on the IPA Council, has chaired both the Marketing Industry Network and the advertising charity NABS, was one of the founders and chairs of Tribe Global - the global network of independent marketing agencies, and was awarded an IPA Fellowship in recognition of her services to the industry.

In her non-exec role, Nicky will work with the Audio Always leadership team as the company continues to grow its network and its commercial partnerships, along with commissioned content across radio and audiobooks.

Stuart Morgan, Founder and MD, Audio Always - “We’ve had a remarkable year at Audio Always. The numbers and the wider recognition the network has received reflect that. Growth like this brings its own questions about where you go next and how you do it well so it’s the perfect time to welcome Nicky to the team. Nicky has spent her career helping ambitious creative businesses answer exactly those kinds of questions. Her experience and her instincts are precisely what we need at this stage.”

Nicky Unsworth, Non-Executive Chair, Audio Always - “I’ve watched Audio Always from the outside with a lot of admiration. What Stuart, Paul, Amelia and the team have built is genuinely impressive. Not just the audience numbers, but the quality and character of the shows across its network. I’m looking forward to working with everyone at Audio Always. There’s real ambition here, and real talent to back it up.”

This year the International Women’s Podcast Awards are returning with a new team, new branding, a new location, and all the same love of the art of podcasting. With Tink stepping in as this year’s host, the event will expand its reach and visibility while staying true to its founding purpose of championing international women creators in audio both behind the mic and behind the scenes, from podcast hosts and producers, to editors and writers. Entries are now open for the 2026 awards through July 31st, 2026.

The IWPAs have become a cornerstone event celebrating the creativity, innovation, and impact of women in podcasting across genres and geographies. Proudly queer and trans inclusive, the IWPAs showcase creative excellence across multiple categories, recognizing the best in the business from around the world, from those who are self-taught and producing shows solo, to those who form part of larger teams at established audio companies.

There will be 10 returning categories that include “Moment of Compelling Storytelling,” “Moment of Podcasting Panache in a Language other than English,” “Moment of Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance,” and “Moment of Comedy Gold,” as well as a new one: “Moment of Artistry in Advertising” that recognizes podcast ads from paid sponsors and also cross promotions, like promo swaps and feed swaps. “Creating cool, entertaining, and effective audio ads is a lost art,” said Lauren Passell, founder of Tink Media. “We want to remind people that ads have the potential to be all of those things, and encourage people to start going in bolder directions with how they do host-reads.”

• All categories are open to shows from any genre or style (fiction, non-fiction, narrative, interview, panel discussion, investigative, etc.).
• Submissions can come from independently produced shows, solo podcasts, large-scale productions, and everything in between — every submission is treated equally.
• The IWPAs are queer and trans inclusive, allowing submissions from any creators who feel represented by the awards.
• With each entry you can submit up to 10 minutes of audio that you feel best fits that category and will wow our panel of judges.
• The audio you enter must have been released to the public between June 10th, 2025 and July 31st, 2026.
• Entries to the IWPAs are $50 each, inclusive of all platform and processing fees.

The team at Tink is also looking forward to continuing in the tradition started in past years of the International Women’s Podcast Awards with the IWPA Scholarship Program to help underfunded, marginalized independent creators submit to the awards when they may have financial constraints that make applying a difficult decision to make. The IWPA Scholarship Program will be available for covering entry fees to the awards, as well as tickets to attend the event in person in Toronto, for anyone worldwide who would not otherwise be able to participate. Scholarship codes will be given out on a rolling basis through the end of the awards submission period or until the scholarship cap has been reached. Those interested in applying for scholarship entry to the IWPAs can learn more and apply on the Tink website at tinkmedia.co/awards#scholarships.

When you’re ready to submit your podcast to this year’s IWPAs, you can do so at InternationalWomensPodcastAwards.com.

Global, the Media & Entertainment group today (Tuesday, 19 May) announced that it will directly sell premium advertising across its rapidly expanding YouTube content network for the first time, creating new opportunities for brands to reach audiences watching its hit original podcast shows like The News Agents, My Therapist Ghosted Me and new F1 show Up To Speed, as well as viral video content from the UK’s best-loved radio brands likeLBC and Capital  

This marks a significant step in Global’s evolution as a cross-platform media partner. With the addition of premium video, Global is now the only UK media owner able to offer advertisers audio, outdoor and premium video all in one place.  

Global joins a select group of UK media owners, including ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, with direct YouTube sales capability, reinforcing its position in the premium video market.   

The move further cements Global Studios’ status as the UK’s No.1 home for podcast creators, adding direct video monetisation to Global’s industry-leading audio sales capability, best-in-class production, seamless hosting and distribution, and the unrivalled marketing power of Global’s radio, digital and outdoor network. 

To support the next phase of growth, Global has also launched a dedicated Video Sales team led by Fatima Dowlet, who joins from Channel 4 as Director of Video Sales. 

Simon Pitts, Group CEO at Global, said: “Global is now home to some of the biggest podcast shows on YouTube, from Global Originals like The News Agents, My Therapist Ghosted Me and Up To Speed, to fan favourites from The Fellas Studios, so selling our premium video inventory direct on YouTube was the natural next step.

We are now the only UK media owner where advertisers can access premium audio, video and outdoor at scale, all in one place. This move also cements Global Studios as a true one-stop-shop for podcast shows, where the best creators can access market-leading production and monetisation and connect their shows with the biggest audiences.”  

Alison Lomax, Managing Director, YouTube UK said: “Global’s progressive strategy to invest deeply in YouTube creators and world-class studios is a testament to their forward-thinking approach to modern media. By building a rich, highly engaged content network, they have created a powerful ecosystem where talent and audiences thrive. We are thrilled to see them build on this further, transforming that creative investment into a robust monetization strategy that unlocks incredible premium video opportunities for UK advertisers.” 

Mike Gordon, Chief Commercial Officer at Global, said: “Advertisers will now be able to access premium, targeted spot advertising within Global’s most popular shows and brands, as well as integrate YouTube inventory into broader multi-platform partnership campaigns. We can work with clients to extend campaigns into premium video, increasing reach, impact and effectiveness.”  

Global now operates one of the UK’s leading YouTube content networks, which includes Global Original podcast shows such as The News Agents, Up To Speed and My Therapist Ghosted Me, next-generation production groups The Fellas Studios and The Overlap, as well as new video-first formats from the UK’s best-loved radio brands. The premium inventory available to advertisers will span Global’s entire YouTube content network, which has more than 16 million subscribers and 150 million monthly views.  

The capability opens up premium, targeted video opportunities across Global’s YouTube content portfolio for advertisers, while also allowing YouTube inventory to be integrated into wider commercial partnerships. This creates greater flexibility for clients and agencies, and enables Global to increase the value and reach of campaigns. 

The announcement also builds on a long-standing partnership between Global and YouTube. The two companies have worked together for many years, including streaming flagship live events such as Capital’s Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Balls.

Forget Independence Day... July 4th is Independent Podcasters Day, a global celebration of the podcasts and people who do it their way, from Mercury and Orbit, powered by you.

IndependentPodcastersDay.com will feature case studies and creator stories showcasing the best that independent podcasting has to offer, and why it remains the foundation of our industry.

Beginning today, Mercury invites everyone - creators, agencies, executives, and follow networks - to pledge their allegiance to Independent Podcasters Day via the website. This is your chance to declare that you love and support independent content. A roll call will be published soon.

"Independent Podcasters Day represents everything Mercury and Orbit stands for," says its CEO Liam Heffernan. "We exist to support, represent, and empower independent creators, so it makes sense for us to launch #IndiePodDay. We can't celebrate indies enough, so to those of you who don't want another day on the calendar, we say poo poo to you! And to all the hard-working, game-changing creators out there, we have your back!"

Independent Podcasters Day is designed to be an organic, user-generated annual event, where each year builds on the last as we mobilise the global creator ecosystem for a day of celebration and recognition. This isn't about competing or comparing, but in sharing the good, the bad, and the chaotic that defines the unique challenges of independent podcasting.

So let's come together, because July 4th will now and forever be known as Independents Day!

PodX announces the appointment of Pelle Porseryd as Acting Managing Director, Nordics.

He will assume the role while current Managing Director Nordics, Jenny Zhao Insulander, is on maternity leave through February 2027.

Porseryd brings 25 years of media industry experience to the role. He previously served as partner and Content Director at Podme, and before that as Head of Production at TV4.

Patrick Svensk, CEO of PodX Group. "Pelle brings an incredible wealth of knowledge to PodX Group. His extensive expertise spans content and publishing strategy, monetization verticals, IP optimization, and subscription services. This background is ideally suited to drive our Nordic operations and other strategic projects forward."

Pelle Porseryd. "The podcasting industry is in a very interesting phase right now, constantly evolving. PodX Group has big ambitions, outstanding brands, and great teams both centrally and locally, backed by solid owners with a long-term commitment. I strongly believe in content as the foundation of the business, making this an exceptional opportunity."

Porseryd will officially start on May 26th, 2026.

Instead of manually updating pages, uploading episodes, or managing complicated website setups, creators can automatically generate a podcast-focused website that stays updated as new episodes are published.

“Podcasters shouldn’t have to choose between creating content and maintaining a website,” said Mike Dell, VP of Operations at Blubrry Podcasting. “This partnership makes it easier to have both. Many creators know they need a website for their show, but they don’t want to spend hours managing plugins, formatting pages, or learning web design. Podpage helps simplify that process while still giving podcasters control of their content and branding.”

The result is a podcast website that works as hard as the podcaster does:

• Automatically updates when new episodes are published
• Generates SEO-optimized episode pages and metadata
• Creates a clean, listener-friendly experience across devices
• Builds a searchable online presence outside of podcast apps
• Includes audience engagement tools like email signup forms, contact forms, and listener interaction features

The partnership also supports Blubrry’s broader focus on creator ownership and open podcasting through RSS-based distribution. Rather than replacing existing creator workflows, the integration is designed to complement them by offering a podcast-specific website solution that removes many of the technical barriers that often prevent podcasters from building and maintaining a website.

“Podcast hosts should be laser-focused on building a great hosting product — not building websites. That's our job. Podpage exists entirely to give podcasters the best website experience available, and we've done it tens of thousands of times. This partnership lets Blubrry hand off that responsibility completely, so every podcaster gets a professionally built, SEO-optimized site automatically. And for the podcasters who need more, converting that basic page into a fully featured website has never been easier,” said Brenden Mulligan, Founder and CEO at Podpage.

Together, Blubrry and Podpage share a simple goal: help podcasters spend less time managing technology and more time making great content.

A minute from West Brompton station and seven from Earl's Court, the space houses two set-ups: the Sofa Studio, a relaxed room for 2-3 people, and the Table Studio, a round-table built for tighter, more focused conversations for up to two. Both studios are fully customisable, with shelving for props, hooks for frames and a TV in shot for branding.

Every booking comes with a dedicated engineer who handles the cameras, lighting and audio, switching between three camera angles live as the recording happens - leaving clients with a ready-to-use visual cut.

Footwork Media can also handle every stage of the podcast production process: development, recording, editing, distribution and promotion. "Our goal has always been to create a great, easy-to-use space that makes podcasting simple," says Sammy James, Co-Founder of Footwork.

Prices start from £140 per hour (inc VAT). Footwork is currently offering a free podcast pilot session for new clients and a 20% discount for recurring bookings.

"Whether you're looking for new ways to promote your business or you're an independent creator hoping to elevate your output, our studio is open to all," says George Cooper, Footwork's Co-Founder.

"We're a small, friendly, independent company that prides itself on the relationships we form with clients. We're confident that after a free pilot with us, you'll love the podcasting process."

About Footwork Media

Footwork Media is an award-winning production agency based in West London, creating podcasts, video and live radio for broadcasters and brands including the BBC, Red Bull Racing, Amazon and Men In Blazers. Founded in 2021 by Sammy James and George Cooper, the company won Best Sport Podcast at the 2025 British Podcast Awards for The Upshot, and Best Motorsport Podcast at the 2025 Sport Podcast Awards for Red Bull Racing's Talking Bull.

The Long Weekend will be available as a vodcast on 9Now and Stan from Friday each week, in addition to being broadcast across the iHeart and GOLD Networks. It will focus on the biggest news, sport and entertainment stories of the week, and be available to stream on 9Now and Stan within 24 hours of first going to air.

Nine Managing Director, Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said: “Nine has a deep commitment to audio through podcasting and vodcasting and it makes perfect sense for two of Nine’s talent to have their new show streamed on their home network.

“Karl and Eddie are great broadcasters and we look forward to showcasing The Long Weekend, adding to the expanding content available to our audiences on 9Now and Stan.”

Both Karl and Eddie’s respective commitments with Nine remain unchanged.

9Now and Stan will stream The Long Weekend from 19 June 2026 through to December 2026.

Today, Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced an exclusive advertising and hosting partnership for the special July 2026 Tour de France coverage of THEMOVE, the acclaimed cycling and endurance sports podcast hosted by former professional cyclist and entrepreneur Lance Armstrong. Under the agreement, Libsyn will exclusively host and monetize the special Tour de France episodes airing July 3-26, 2026, connecting advertisers with one of the most engaged and influential audiences in endurance sports.

“THEMOVE represents exactly the kind of premium creator-led sports property that performs incredibly well for podcast advertisers,” said Anthony Savelli, Executive Vice President of Sales, Direct & Host-Read Advertising at Libsyn. “The audience is highly engaged, affluent, and deeply invested in the endurance sports lifestyle – from training and recovery to gear and technology. Through Libsyn’s hosting, monetization, and cross-platform distribution capabilities, we’re able to help brands connect with that audience in a way that feels authentic, trusted, and uniquely impactful during one of the biggest moments in global sports.”

“The Tour de France is unlike anything else in sports because every single day gives fans something to react to, debate, and break down,” said Lance Armstrong. “THEMOVE has always been about bringing listeners inside the race from the perspective of people who have actually lived it – the tactics, the pressure, the suffering, and the strategy behind what viewers are watching on screen. Partnering with Libsyn allows us to expand that experience across audio and video while continuing to deliver the kind of smart, unfiltered coverage our audience expects every July.”

Featuring Lance Armstrong, alongside George Hincapie, Bradley Wiggins, Johan Bruyneel, and Spencer Martin, THEMOVE will serve as the definitive Tour de France companion podcast, delivering daily race breakdowns, insider analysis, course previews, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and unfiltered commentary throughout cycling’s biggest event. Distributed across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and NBC Peacock via simulcast immediately following each race stage, THEMOVE gives listeners a singular insider perspective on the Tour de France and the broader world of endurance sports – transforming fans from spectators into insiders immersed in the action of the sport’s most iconic races. The combination of expert analysis and real-time reaction creates an immersive environment for both fans and brand partners.

Libsyn delivers podcast hosting built for creators who are serious about growth, combining intuitive workflows with advanced analytics, audio and video publishing, and integrated monetization and marketing tools. The platform gives growth-minded creators the support they need to scale their shows, expand their audiences, and build lasting brands without giving up creative control. As a launch partner for Spotify’s video distribution API and a partner for Apple’s HLS-enabled video in Apple Podcasts, Libsyn also enables creators to publish once and distribute seamlessly across both platform-controlled ecosystems like YouTube and Spotify, as well as open podcast environments like Apple.

This partnership leverages Libsyn Ads’ advanced solutions, including host-read Ads integrated directly into each episode, baked-in ad placements personally read by Lance Armstrong, episodic sponsorship opportunities, audio-video simulcast integrations, and premium branded content opportunities designed to organically align with the show’s passionate endurance sports audience.

To extend this even further, the Libsyn Audience Network (LAN) gives advertisers a scalable, brand-safe way to reach audiences across Libsyn’s portfolio – while still aligning with premium creator content. With audience-based targeting across both new episodes and full catalogs, LAN allows brands to combine the authenticity of host-read ads with the scale of broader inventory, all supported by Libsyn Ads’ buying, measurement, and campaign management capabilities.

For more information or to advertise on THEMOVE during the 2026 Tour de France, please contact ad-sales@libsyn.com.

According to Nielsen, radio and podcasts capture more than 80% of all daily ad-supported audio listening, with audiences spending an average of four hours per day on platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services and satellite radio. So there’s a huge opportunity for political strategists. In addition, political parties haven’t historically been able to connect platforms, data and multiple buying tactics, from open bidding to direct deals. Basis consolidates political advertising through a single platform that combines all major channels, workflows, reporting and more, and is further strengthening reach of U.S. voters via audio content.

Basis is an integrated cross-channel media orchestration and connectivity platform that automates the most important phases of the entire campaign lifecycle. Its enterprise AI system empowers marketers through a suite of applications for planning and operations across programmatic, publisher-direct, search, and social channels. Basis clients gain access to powerful L2 and Experian political data segments within the DAX environment.

"Political advertising demands precision, speed, and accountability — and audio is one of the most powerful, and underutilized channels for reaching engaged voters. DAX provides political advertisers with access to a massive audience, combined with the gold-standard political data sets from L2 and Experian, all accessible through Basis,” said Grace Briscoe, EVP of client development, Basis. “Basis is built for winning outcomes -- connecting channels and data into one governed environment so political teams can execute with confidence at the speed an election demands.”

“This partnership with Basis represents a significant step forward in how political advertisers access and activate premium audio campaigns at scale,” said Brian Conlan, President of DAX US. “By bringing exclusive inventory together with best-in-class data and execution, we’re giving political parties a powerful way to reach voters with precision and impact.”

The Basis and DAX US integration delivers capabilities for political advertisers operating in high-stakes, time-compressed environments such as election cycles:

• Exclusive access: DAX's network reaches 80% of all digital audio listeners A18+ in the U.S., including more than 41 million unique listeners not available on other streaming networks.
• Data: More than 60 L2 data sets and Experian’s audience segments -- including advanced predictive modeling -- are available for political advertisers only through Basis.
• Multicultural and geo-targeted: DAX’s dedicated multicultural network reaches Spanish-speaking voters. It enables dynamic geo-targeting by district, region, or state.
• Broad footprint: DAX’s network encompasses 60,000+ podcasts spanning music, sports, news, and culture; 350+ terrestrial U.S. radio stations; and premium pureplay brands including Deezer, Accuradio, LiveOne, Live365, and HitsRadio.com.
• Automation: All DAX political inventory is bought programmatically through Basis, keeping planning, activation, reporting and more within a single governed system.
• Omnichannel: Buying on all major digital channels is managed and processed through Basis.

Highgate Wood, the new audio drama from Palimpsest Productions, will debut across all podcast platforms and streaming services on May 18th. The eight-episode show concerns the titular fictional 1970s prog rock band and the aftermath of the tragedy that broke them apart.

The show was written by Jamieson Ridenhour and stars Hayley Heninger, Jack Ayres, Alasdair Stuart, Beth Eyre, Dan Bottomley, and Amber Devereaux. Blues-rock singer-songwriter Andrew Scotchie is featured as the voice of the band. Ridenhour and Heninger previously collaborated on the audio drama Palimpsest, which ran for five seasons, amassing a million and a half downloads and a host of critical accolades.

Highgate Wood rose to prominence in the early 1970s, propelled by the triple threat of dynamic front man Sean Underwood, wunderkind guitarist Peter Van Conklin, and keyboardist Corrine Kennedy. Dancing a line between artsy prog rock and mainstream melodics, they had a string of hit albums before suddenly disbanding in 1975 when a studio fire resulted in Corrine’s death, Peter’s descent into madness, and ultimately Sean’s suicide.

Years later, Peter’s daughter Patti finds herself haunted by the ghost of Corrine Kennedy. Fearing she may be falling down the same mad rabbit hole as her father, she sets out to find the truth of the fateful night Highgate Wood self-destructed. The eight episodes of Highgate Wood are her investigation.

Concurrent with the audio drama, a full album of music from the fictional band will be released to digital, streaming, and vinyl. The Very Best of Highgate Wood features music composed by Jamieson and Ian Ridenhour and was produced by Kari Estes (bassist for prog-metal band Atomic Guava). Information on the show and the album is available at highgatewoodband.com.

The Gist, the daily news and culture podcast hosted by veteran journalist Mike Pesca, has officially surpassed 3,000 episodes — a rare milestone in podcasting that underscores the show’s longevity, consistency, and enduring connection with listeners since its launch in 2014.

Widely recognized as the longest-running daily news podcast in the United States, The Gist has spent twelve years delivering sharp analysis, intelligent interviews, and Pesca’s signature blend of wit and skepticism. Over the course of 3,000-plus episodes, the show has tackled everything from politics and media to sports, culture, technology, and the complexities of modern public discourse, earning a reputation for thoughtful conversation that goes deeper than the headlines.

In conjunction with the milestone, The Gist also announced an exclusive partnership with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP), which will now represent the podcast for all direct advertising sales.

“Reaching 3,000 episodes is an amazing achievement and a testament to Mike’s dedication to the podcast and his listeners,” said Reggie Risseeuw, Managing Partner at AMP. “Very few podcasts sustain this level of quality and audience engagement over such a long period of time, particularly given the industry’s ever-evolving nature. The Gist has built an incredibly loyal and intellectually engaged audience, making it a standout environment for brand partners.”

Pesca is an award-winning journalist and podcast host whose work spans public radio, print, and television. He has guest-hosted NPR’s All Things Considered and Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, and his reporting has been featured on This American Life, Radiolab, and Planet Money. Mike has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, Real Time with Bill Maher, and PBS NewsHour, and his writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Free Press, The Guardian, GQ, Slate, and Baseball Prospectus.

“What’s always motivated me is the chance to explore ideas with honesty, depth, and occasionally a little irreverence,” said Pesca. “I’m grateful to the listeners who’ve made 3,000 episodes possible, and excited to work with AMP as we continue growing the show and bringing in partners that align with our audience.”

New episodes of The Gist are released daily and feature a mix of original commentary, long-form interviews, and Pesca’s smart and often humorous examination of the day’s issues.

Advertisers interested in partnering with The Gist can contact John Donahue of AMP at john@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Sky News is launching a new premium podcast subscription bundle for just £2.99 a month, giving listeners ad-free access, bonus episodes and early releases, as demand for its podcasts climbs 102% year on year across Apple, YouTube and Spotify.

Launching on 15 June, Sky News Insider: Podcasts marks the first time Sky News has introduced an additive, paid‑for news product, underlining its commitment to unlocking new revenue streams while continuing to invest in high-quality, impartial journalism.

Subscribers will receive:

• Bonus episodes from hit podcasts including Electoral Dysfunction and Trump 100 
• Ad-free listening across participating shows 
• Early access to new series and episodes before general release
• A weekly newsletter with exclusive insight from hosts including Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, Ruth Davidson, Martha Kelner, James Matthews and Mark Stone
• First release access for tickets to live shows, following on from the success of sold-out Electoral Dysfunction Live Shows last year
• Access to a community forum to enable chat directly to podcast hosts

They will also get early access and bonus episodes of Stuff Matters, a new six-part flagship series from Economics and Data Editor Ed Conway. The series uncovers the hidden global forces behind everyday objects: could a banana really help bring down a government, and do air pods herald the arrival of a new global order? Stuff Matters explores economics through the everyday things we think we already understand. 

The subscription model reflects changing audience habits and builds on the growing success of Sky News award winning podcasts, which have seen a 102% year on year increase in listens from 2024-2025, and  a >70% increase in followers between April 2025 and April 2026, establishing them as a trusted source of analysis and insight on the biggest stories of the day. 

David Rhodes, Executive Chairman of Sky News, said: “Around our most-popular and trusted voices we see pent-up demand: people who want a bonus episode, the chance to interact with us and with each other, to attend an event, even to buy merch. This subscription lets us bring all of that together, giving listeners greater access to the journalism and talent they trust”

Beth Rigby, Sky News’ Political Editor, said: “Since we launched in 2024, we’ve built an amazing audience of listeners – our incredible band of Dysfunctioners – and now we want to open up things more for all of you that love the pod. We’re in such momentous political times, now feels exactly the right time to give our listeners more content and more conversation with us as we take you through what’s really been going on.”

With this launch, Sky News is combining its reputation for trusted, impartial reporting with a simple, great-value offer designed to reward its most engaged audiences. The subscription product will be powered by Supporting Cast, who support brands with the best way to sell and deliver podcast subscriptions, newsletters, and other members-only benefits.

Podcasters using Flightcast can now publish video directly to Apple Podcasts without changing their upload workflow, with the ability to switch seamlessly between audio and video formats. Flightcast has also pre-processed all existing episodes, meaning shows can activate video on Apple Podcasts with a single click.

"Flightcast has always been the video-first hosting platform. We're already running hundreds of video shows, and now every one of those shows can go live with video on Apple Podcasts for all of their episodes with a single click, no re-uploads, no re-encoding," said Rox Codes, CEO and Co-Founder of Flightcast. "Video podcasting is becoming essential, but most creators don't realize there's much more to it than just publishing. Delivering seamless video experiences to Apple Podcasts and across platforms requires advanced technology like HLS streaming, which ensures smooth playback no matter the connection. As the landscape grows more complex, Flightcast holds itself to the highest standards, simplifying not just publishing, but analytics, experimentation, and analysis so creators can focus on growth."

Unlike competing platforms that have introduced video tiers with resolution caps of 720p and length restrictions of 30 minutes or less, Flightcast supports 4K video, a 60GB file size limit per episode, and no length restrictions. These capabilities make Flightcast the only major hosting platform designed from the ground up for large-scale, professional video podcast production.

Flightcast's storage infrastructure further sets it apart: plans begin at 3 terabytes, scale to 6TB on the mid-tier, and reach 15TB at the top tier. These storage allowances far exceed what many competitors offer at equivalent price points.

Beyond publishing video to Apple Podcasts, Flightcast is also supporting dynamic video ads. Podcasters can create their own dynamic video campaigns, or continue using dynamic programmatic audio to continue monetizing their content. Audio ads will be shown with a still image in the video, so there’s no disruption to existing monetization streams by switching to video.

“A lot of platforms are pushing video, but with asterisks. 720p only, 30-minute caps, extra charges. The list goes on,” said Seth Silves, CEO at Story On Media. "We need to publish video at the quality our audience expects, the way we want to, without it costing us more or slowing us down. Flightcast is the only platform that continues to enable that."

Video on Apple Podcasts and HLS support is live and available to all Flightcast customers today. Podcasters interested in activating video can do so directly from their Flightcast dashboard.

To learn more about hosting your podcast on Flightcast, please visit flightcast.com.

Top shows still command strong loyalty, but the landscape is shifting fast as new formats, viral moments, and daily habits reshape how audiences discover and engage. The result is a healthy mix of stability at the top and continued discovery, with listeners expanding across genres.  

“Podcasting continues to demonstrate both resilience and momentum as we enter 2026,” said Daryl Battaglia, SVP, Measurement Products & Strategy at Triton Digital. “We’re seeing a combination of consistency among top-performing shows alongside rapid innovation among top genres like Comedy and Sports. This balance is what makes podcasting such a powerful medium for both audience engagement and advertiser impact.” 

Q1 2026 Ranker Insights 

2026 Kicks Off with Steady Leaders and Emerging Genres 

Triton’s Q1 data reveals Comedy, News and Society & Culture continue to be the top three genre categories, with an uptick in emerging genres like Kids & Family and Health & Fitness. Together, these shifts suggest podcasting is becoming more embedded in everyday functional behaviors. They reflect a broader evolution in listening habits, with audiences increasingly turning to podcasts daily for on-demand content. 

Top Podcast Categories by Reach (No Change vs. Q4): 

• Comedy (43.6%) 
• News (23.7%) 
• Society & Culture (21.2%) 

Genres with the Largest Quarter-Over-Quarter Reach Growth: 

• Kids & Family: +9% (2.4% in Q1 2026 versus 2.2% in Q4 2025) 
• Health & Fitness: +8% (9.7% in Q1 2026 versus 9.0% in Q4 2025) 
• Comedy: +7% (43.6% in Q1 2026 versus 40.9% in Q4 2025) 

Demos+ Ranker Highlights 

(Based on U.S. survey responses — reflects podcasts across the entire market, not just those measured by Triton) 

Top Movers Breaking into the Top 50 (Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025): 

• Smosh Reads Reddit Stories (Comedy) soared 82 spots to #47 
• Freakonomics Radio (Society & Culture) jumped 40 spots to #41 
• Huberman Lab (Health & Fitness) climbed 38 spots to #13 
• Drink Champs (Music) rose 38 spots to #50 
• Distractible (Comedy) moved up 32 spots to #37 
• How I Built This with Guy Raz (Business) advanced 29 spots to #48 
• CreepCast (Society & Culture) rose 22 spots to #46 
• 48 Hours (True Crime) jumped 19 spots to #38 
• The Mel Robbins Podcast (Education) moved up 18 spots to #11 

Additionally, Good Hang with Amy Poehler surged 26 spots, becoming the largest single move of a podcast into the top 10 ranking.  

Download Ranker Highlights 

(Based on server-side measurement from April— includes only sales networks directly measured by Triton Digital) 

Top Sales Networks by Average Weekly Downloads: 

1. iHeart Audience Network 
2. Audioboom 
3. Cumulus Podcast Network 

Top Podcasts by Average Weekly Downloads: 

1. Pod Save America [Audioboom] 
2. Stuff You Should Know [iHeart Audience Network] 
3. The Dan Bongino Show [Cumulus Podcast Network] 

Trends Worth Tuning Into 

Sports Podcasts Find a New Rhythm 

A surge in the Sports genre this quarter, leading the genres for ranker debuts (new entries), points to a broader shift in how fans engage with the category. Daily talk formats and athlete-led shows are gaining traction, offering more personal, conversational alternatives to traditional coverage. Together, these trends suggest that sports audio is becoming more habitual, more personality-driven, and more closely aligned with how audiences want to follow the game. More specifically: 

• Former athletes redefining sports media on their own terms: 
• Podcasts like 7PM in Brooklyn, hosted by Carmelo Anthony, and The Pivot Podcast, led by Ryan Clark and fellow former NFL players, are drawing large audiences by offering unfiltered perspectives and in-depth conversations with high-profile guests—content that often feels more personal and revealing than traditional broadcast interviews. 
• A new wave of daily sports podcasts becoming part of listeners’ everyday:  
• During high-interest moments like the NFL playoffs, shows such as NFL: The Insiders benefited from official league backing and postseason visibility, while Mostly Sports has built a loyal following through a more conversational, personality-driven approach that resonates with fans looking for authenticity over hot takes. 
• Networks extending existing popular TV franchises into podcasts: 
• FOX Sports’ First Things First is a clear example of how established shows can successfully transition into audio, capturing audiences who prefer to listen on-demand and on the go. 

Comedy Offers a Form of Escape 

Comedy led all genres in Q1, with 47 shows in the top 200, signaling its growing role in how audiences discover and engage with podcasts.  

Shows like Smosh Reads Reddit Stories and Distractible drive sustained listenership through viral storytelling of internet trends from platforms like Reddit that consumers want to hear from beginning to end. Other shows, such as Drink Champs and Kill Tony, outperform other genres by utilizing short-form clips on TikTok and Reels that act as powerful discovery engines, converting viral moments into full-episode engagement and higher rankings.  

Podcast Genres Can Signal Audience Intent  

Triton’s audience data points to an important shift for advertisers and publishers, not just in who they should reach, but in what those listeners are ready to do next. 

Business and Technology podcasts continue to stand out as high-value environments, attracting some of the most affluent and influential listeners in digital audio. These audiences over-index for household incomes above $100K and higher education, with Technology listeners (51%) more likely to hold over $250K in investable assets. Both categories also lead in business travel intent, reinforcing their position as premium channels for reaching decision-makers and professionals with strong purchasing power. 

Listener behavior data further reveals powerful signals around consumer intent. Technology audiences are nearly twice as likely as the average podcast listener to shop luxury retail, while Kids & Family listeners over-index across a surprising range of categories—from luxury boutiques to fast fashion and life insurance. Meanwhile, Business podcast audiences show elevated interest in home improvement, and Music listeners demonstrate stronger intent to purchase vehicles and switch wireless providers. 

“Taken together, these trends point to a maturing podcast ecosystem where audience quality, intent, and contextual alignment are becoming just as important as reach,” added Battaglia. “Creating new opportunities for brands to connect with listeners in more meaningful and measurable ways.” 

Hidden Gems for Marketers and Advertisers 

Beyond the top genres driving engagement, Triton’s data found several smaller categories are emerging as “hidden gems” for marketers seeking highly concentrated, high-impact audiences. Science podcasts similarly attract affluent, business-oriented listeners, while Fiction is proving to be a key entry point for Gen Z and diverse audiences, particularly Hispanic listeners. 

Battaglia concluded, “Niche and emerging categories reach highly engaged, high-intent listeners. For advertisers, this precise, audience-first strategy can drive powerful outcomes.”  

See What’s Driving the Shift 

The U.S. Podcast Ranker blends audience reach and behavioral data from Demos+, developed in collaboration with Signal Hill Insights, to paint the most comprehensive picture of podcast consumption available. This expanded framework reveals what listeners are tuning into, what motivates them, and how their evolving habits are shaping the broader audio economy, offering fresh insights for advertisers, agencies, and publishers to better understand podcast audiences and where the next opportunities lie. 

To view the full Q1 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker, visit the website.

The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting, returns for its fifth edition this week with the biggest and most internationally diverse programme to date.

This year’s sessions reflect the continued evolution of podcasting into a global, multi-platform entertainment industry. From video and live experiences to monetisation, IP and creator-led communities, the programme explores how podcasts are shaping the future of media, culture and storytelling.

Taking place across two days at London’s Business Design Centre on 20-21 May 2026, this year’s show is expected to welcome record attendance numbers, with delegates travelling from more than 50 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Since launching in 2022, The Podcast Show has established itself as the world’s leading gathering for the podcasting industry, bringing together creators, platforms, brands, broadcasters, studios and emerging talent to help understand the present and shape the future of the medium.

Global and iHeartPodcasts return as Headline Partners for 2026, continuing a strategic partnership that brings iHeart’s podcast shows to the UK and Global Studios’ flagship podcast shows to the US, while showcasing Global Studios as the ultimate one-stop-shop for podcast creators, with best-in-class monetisation, seamless distribution across all major platforms, and the marketing power of Global’s radio, digital and outdoor network.

International Growth & Focus

Year-on-year, The Podcast Show has seen a significant uplift in international attendance, cementing it as a worldwide destination for the podcast industry – a place where cross-market collaboration, industry discussion and partnerships begin.

This year, the show introduces two new spaces to support this growing global community:

International Stage & Networking Lounge in association with Podimo. This will be a dedicated space designed to encourage global collaboration, discussion and networking between international creators, studios and platforms.

The International Stage will feature speakers and sessions from across Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, The Netherlands and beyond, with discussions focused on international monetisation, audience growth, global storytelling and the future of podcasting worldwide.

Highlights include sessions on international monetisation featuring Corey Layton (Head of iHeart Strategic Partnerships and Product, ARN), Carrie Lieberman (COO, iHeartPodcasts), Greg Glenday (CEO, Acast) and Morten Strunge (CEO & Founder, Podimo), alongside international trend discussions including ‘Why True Crime Travels’ and a special Ambies-focused session.

Creator Economy Focus

A new addition for 2026 is the Creator First Stage, in association with Arcade, hosted by Jordan Schwarzenberger and Arcade, the team behind the UK’s biggest creators, Sidemen. 

The stage will explore the rapidly evolving creator economy through conversations around fandom, community, audience growth, platform strategy and creator-led businesses. Designed for creators, brands and fans, sessions will help delegates navigate the future of content.

Sessions include:

• The Fight for the Living Room TV**:** Jamie Laing on capturing audience attention in a streaming-first world.
• To Niche or Not to Niche?: Jordan Schwarzenberger deep dives into whether you should niche down or stay broad. Who gets the most views? Who makes the most money? What is the best route?

Programme Highlights

More than 450 speakers and 170 sessions will take place across nine stages during the two-day festival: The Origin Theatre in association with Global Studios and iHeartPodcasts; The Creator First Stage in association with Arcade; Talking Podcasts; Ask The Experts in association with BetterHelp; The Creator Stage in association with Canon; The International Stage powered by Podimo; The Studio Stage; The Indie Business Stage in association with AudioUK; and The Brand Works Stage in association with IAB UK and Sounds Profitable.

Day 1 Highlights include:

• Breaking The News with The News Agents - with Emily Maitlis & Lewis Goodall (The News Agents), Vicky Etchells (Director of Podcasts, Global) and Tom Hughes (Editor, The News Agents).
• A New Era for Podcasting: Video on Apple Podcasts - with Susie Warhurst (Head of International, Apple Podcasts), Laura Hagen (SVP, Americas & Global Head of Agency Partnerships, Acast) and Toni Lodge & Ryan Jon Dunn (Toni and Ryan).
• Beyond Ads: How Brands are Aligning with Podcasts in 2026 - sponsored by iHeartMedia, with Ethan Fixell (SVP, Ruby Studios by iHeartMedia), Alanna Vaughns (Revenue Partnerships Lead, BBC Studios); and Benish Mahmood (Head of Global Partnerships, Publicis Media Content).
• The Power of Content Curation: Driving Scale, Quality, and Measurable Outcomes in Audio - sponsored by Simplecast/AdsWizz.
• Lights, Camera, Audio! The Tech that powers leading Podcasts - From First Setup to Studio Quality - sponsored by Canon, with Tom Storey (Technical Product Specialist – Pro Video, Canon UK), Dan Chung (Content Creator & Head of UK PR, Nanlite), and Nick Stillman (Head of Sales & Marketing EMEA, RØDE).
• Can I Really Trust A Creator With My Brand? - with Sarah Ray (Commercial Director, Global), Joe Baggs (Not My Bagg), Ethan Fixell (SVP Branded Content, iHeartMedia), Callum ‘Calfreezy’ Airey (Co-Founder, The Fellas Studios) and Joe Copeman (Director, Commercial, Global Studios).
• Vulnerable Confessions: How to Fail’s Greatest Fails - sponsored by Sony Music, with Elizabeth Day (Host, How to Fail) and Alex Lawless (Executive Producer, Sony Music).
• Roman Mars: A Life in Sound, in Conversation with Fiona Sturges - sponsored by BBC Studios, with Roman Mars (Host & Producer, 99% Invisible), Fiona Sturges (Podcast Reviewer, BBC Culture), and Richard Knight (Director of Audio, BBC Studios).
• Local Loyalty vs. Global Algorithms: Simon Myciunka in Conversation with Tyler West - sponsored by Bauer, with Simon Myciunka (President of Audio, Bauer Media Group), and Tyler West (Broadcaster).
• Delve into Narrative Storytelling - with Al Riddell (Head of Podcasts, Content & Production, Global), Lewis Goodall (The News Agents), Benedict Townsend (Host of Vine and YouTuber News, Global), and Mary Goodhart (Producer, Global).
• The Global Rise of Podcasting: Why Audio Works for Brands - sponsored by iHeartMedia, with Andy Kelly (EVP Global Brand Partnerships, iHeartMedia), Beth Hatchett (Creator Agent, United Talent Agency), and Delphine Terrioux (Data and Insights, PHD).
• Say It Louder: Why Podcasts Can Change The Way Men Talk About Mental Health - sponsored by BetterHelp, with Spencer Matthews and Brittany Clevenger (Senior Director, BetterHelp).
• Show Me The Money: Global Monetisation, Distribution & IP - sponsored by Podimo, with Richard Bacon (Why Are You More Successful Than Me?), Morten Strunge (CEO, Podimo), Greg Glenday (CEO, Acast), Carrie Lieberman (COO, iHeartPodcasts) and Corey Layton (Head of iHeart Strategic Partnerships and Product, ARN).
• How TV Titans and Star Creators are Growing their Business in the New Video-First Age - sponsored by PAVE Studios, with Piers Morgan (Host, Piers Morgan Uncensored); and Max Cutler (Founder, PAVE Studios).

Day 2 Highlights include:

• The $1 Billion Question: Where Is the Next Growth Coming From? - sponsored by AudioUK, with Chris Baughen (CEO, AudioUK), Rhyanna Coleman (Director of Strategy, Platform Media), Vicky Etchells (Director of Podcasts, Global), and Christiana Brenton (CRO, FlightStory).
• Fun Fishy Facts: How No Such Thing as a Fish Got Results & Reaction for TV Licensing - sponsored by Audioboom, with Nicola Ager (Head of Marketing, TV Licensing), Andy Murray and Dan Schreiber (Co-Hosts, No Such Thing As A Fish).
• Workshop: Podcasting & AI: Trends, Ethics, and Efficiency - sponsored by YouTube.
• From Podcast to Global Show: The Rest Is Football - with Alex Aljoe (Presenter, Goalhanger), Gary Lineker (Co-Founder, Goalhanger) and Jack Davenport (Goalhanger).
• Podcast Shows at the FIFA World Cup 26 - presented by Global Studios, with Gabby Logan in conversation with Scott Melvin (CEO, The Overlap), Jamie Carragher (The Overlap), Callum ‘Calfreezy’ Airey (Co-Founder, The Fellas Studios) and Elliot Hackney (COO, The Fellas Studios).
• Up To Speed: Launching a Podcast Show on YouTube The Right Way - with Vicky Etchells (Director of Podcasts, Global Studios) in conversation with Naomi Schiff (Up To Speed) and Mairi Brewis (Head of MediaCo and Responsibility Partnerships UKI, YouTube).
• Beyond Attention: Proving Podcasts Drive Action with DAX ID - presented by Global’s DAX, with Faye Trinquart (Market Strategy Lead, DAX Audio), and Nat O’Shea (Head of DAX Sales, DAX Audio).
• The Era of the One-stop-shop for Podcast Advertisers - with Fatima Dowlet (Director, Commercial, Video Sales, Global) and Matt Morris (Social Video Sales Director, Global).
• From Running Clubs to Retreats: Innovative Ways to Expand Your Indie Podcast - with Sangeeta Pillai (Masala Podcast).
• Why Your Podcast Isn’t Making Money Yet - with Bernard Achampong (Founder and Chair, Unedited and AudioUK) and Ayesha Taylor-Camara (Consumer Insights Manager, Bauer Media).
• Built to Last: How Creators Turn Belonging into Revenue - sponsored by Patreon.
• Podcasting’s Future is Free-Flowing - sponsored by Acast, with Greg Glenday (CEO, Acast).
• Selling Across The Atlantic - with Alexia Bedat (Partner, Klaris), Stephanie Wittels Wachs (CEO, Lemonada), Charlotte Wolf (Chief Operating Officer, Novel) and Grace Ross (VP of Business Development, Pushkin Industries).

Networking

Across both days, The Podcast Show’s partners will host a series of dedicated networking events designed to bring together delegates from across the industry.

Events include:

• The Official Podcast Show x Patreon Sunset Party
• The Official Party
• 5th Birthday Drinks
• Executive Networking Dinner at Frederick’s
• Leaders in Podcasting Networking Breakfasts
• Platinum Pass Holders Lunch Reception
• Drinks ‘n’ Darts Happy Hours
• The Creator Social
• The Acast Arms Happy Hour
• Amazon Art19 Brunch
• The Podcast Academy Governors’ Awards Drinks
• South Asian Podcasters Meetup
• Latin America Spotlight Meetup
• International Podcasters Meetup
• Freelancers’ Meetups

The hugely popular PodHouse sessions also return with partner-hosted discussions from Voxtopica, Arqiva, Transistor, Bumper, Spotify, Podscribe and The Audio Academy.

Meanwhile, PAVE Studios returns with The Bus Stop: a dedicated social hub for creators and delegates located outside the main venue entrance.

The Creator Advice Lab will also return, offering creators access to industry experts and practical advice across production, monetisation, audience growth, legal, branding and video podcasting.

Jason Carter, The Podcast Show’s Co-Founder and Festival Director, says: “As we celebrate the fifth edition of The Podcast Show, it’s a moment to reflect on how the industry has helped us grow the event into a truly international gathering for the global podcast community. This year’s programme reflects where the industry is heading: internationally connected, video-first and incredibly influential across entertainment, culture and business. We’re proud to be welcoming delegates from more than 50 countries for our biggest and most internationally diverse show yet.”

Final tickets and full programme information are available now at thepodcastshowlondon.com

The Podcast Show 2026 is produced by AV Media & Events (AVME), a joint venture between SME London and GetOnMedia.

Pringle’s appointment reflects Libsyn’s broader continued focus on supporting creators across audio and video podcasting through open distribution, enhanced monetization, and flexible publishing tools. Libsyn continues to prioritize innovation that reduces friction for creators while helping them distribute content everywhere audiences consume podcasts, while also delivering advertisers greater scale, targeting capabilities, and access to highly engaged audiences across the podcast ecosystem.

“As podcasting continues expanding across audio, video, distribution, and monetization, Todd brings exactly the kind of product leadership we need for this next phase of growth,” said Brendan Monaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Libsyn. “His experience building creator-focused platforms and scalable audience products will help shape how we continue investing in the tools, infrastructure, and monetization capabilities creators need to grow their businesses.”

Todd brings more than two decades of experience building and scaling digital products across media, streaming, and creator-focused platforms. Most recently Todd was a founding member and leader of the Amazon Music Podcasts team where he defined strategy, launched the product across platforms and grew it to millions of listeners during a period of significant growth and investment in podcasting and creator partnerships, including multiple acquisitions. Prior to Amazon, Todd held senior product leadership positions at Stitcher and Deezer, where he helped advance podcast discovery, streaming innovation, audience growth, and monetization at a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital audio.

“Podcasting is entering an incredibly exciting phase of growth and transformation,” said Todd Pringle, Vice President of Product at Libsyn. “Libsyn has an unmatched heritage in podcasting and a strong creator-first vision centered on openness, monetization, and innovation. I’m thrilled to join the team and help build products that make it easier for creators to grow their audiences, expand their businesses, and unlock new opportunities across audio and video.”

Throughout his career, Todd has worked closely with engineering, content, and commercial teams to develop products and experiences that drive audience engagement and business growth. Earlier in his career, he also held product leadership roles at eBay, AOL Music, and Netscape, and served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

The appointment comes as Libsyn continues to expand and modernize its platform to better serve creators and advertisers. Over the past year, the company has focused on strengthening creator monetization, enhancing advertising capabilities, expanding video support, and simplifying multi-platform distribution. Libsyn recently unveiled new video podcasting integrations with Spotify and Apple Podcasts designed to help creators publish and distribute video content more seamlessly across platforms, while also introducing the Libsyn Audience Network (LAN), its audience-based advertising network spanning more than 5,000 shows and 500 million monthly impressions globally The company plans to continue investing in creator tools, publishing infrastructure, andmonetization opportunities designed to help creators grow both their audiences and businesses.

As podcast advertising continues to mature, advertisers increasingly want to understand not just whether conversions happened after ad exposure, but whether their podcast ads actually caused those conversions.

“Podcast advertising has reached a point where advertisers expect the same level of accountability they get from other channels like Meta and Google,” said Pete Birsinger, CEO & Founder of Podscribe. “Our goal with Podscribe Incrementality is to help advertisers move beyond directional attribution and better understand true causal lift by bringing better measurement and transparency to podcasting.”

Flexible Incrementality Measurement for Audio Advertisers

Podscribe now supports multiple approaches to incrementality measurement depending on advertiser goals, campaign structure, publisher compatibility, and budget considerations.

Synthetic Control Groups

Podscribe’s synthetic control groups estimate what conversions would have looked like without ad exposure by constructing a statistically similar audience using historical conversion behavior, audience demographics, geography, listening patterns, and purchase affinity data.

Synthetic controls provide several advantages:

• No opportunity cost from withholding listeners from ad exposure
• No need to purchase PSA inventory
• No publisher setup required
• Minimal operational overhead for advertisers

Synthetic control groups are the default methodology within Podscribe when randomized holdout testing is not enabled.

Randomized User-Level Holdout Groups Powered by SmartServe

Central to Podscribe’s incrementality capabilities is SmartServe, the company’s ad-serving layer that plugs into existing media buys through a simple VAST tag.

By operating between the buy and publisher ad delivery in real time, SmartServe enables controls that traditional podcast ad serving often cannot support, including randomized listener holdout groups, experiment-safe audience partitioning, and real-time creative selection.

Podscribe SmartServe supports randomized user-level holdout groups for dynamically inserted campaigns, including both impression-based and episodic buys.

Listeners are assigned to:

• An exposed group that receives real ads
• A holdout group that does not

Because exposed and control audiences are created directly within the ad server from the same eligible listener pool, advertisers can be highly confident that holdout audiences remain as similar as possible to exposed audiences — helping produce more trustworthy incrementality results.

Ghost Holdouts and PSA-Based Testing

Podscribe supports two randomized holdout methodologies:

Ghost Holdouts

Ghost holdouts create a control group without serving a replacement ad, eliminating media cost while still enabling incrementality measurement.

PSA-Based Holdouts

For advertisers prioritizing maximum audience similarity, SmartServe also supports PSA-based testing, where holdout listeners hear a neutral Public Service Announcement (PSA) or non-converting filler creative.

Advertisers can now upload and designate PSA creatives directly within Podscribe SmartServe.

Publisher-Created Holdouts

Podscribe supports incrementality analysis for publisher-created exposed and control groups. In these scenarios, publishers manage audience holdout groups while Podscribe measures conversion lift through pixel-based attribution and overlap analysis (when available).

Advancing the Future of Podcast Measurement

As podcast advertising matures into a more performance-driven channel, incrementality testing is becoming increasingly important for advertisers seeking to:

• Measure true ROI
• Compare podcasting fairly against other performance channels
• Optimize media investment with greater confidence

Podscribe is proud to help advance more transparent, standardized, and actionable podcast measurement for the audio advertising industry.

Availability

Podscribe incrementality is available to Podscribe customers directly within the Podscribe platform. To learn more, visit the Podscribe blog or request a demo with the partnerships team.

Horse Radio Network founder Glenn Hebert was named and honored as the 2026 Equine Industry Vision Award Winner at the AHP Equine Media Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, on Friday, May 15, at a breakfast sponsored by Zoetis.

Hebert stated, “Wow, podcasting has come a long way. From 18 years ago when all we did was explain what a podcast was to winning the AHP Equine Industry Vision Award. This honor truly belongs to the entire Horse Radio Network community: our devoted listeners, talented hosts, and generous sponsors. Podcasting’s strength lies in its personal and impactful connection with the audience, and we are grateful to have played a role in fostering its growth since podcasting began. The community we’ve built is extraordinary. We also extend our gratitude to AHP for championing the many diverse voices within equine media.”

Hebert’s impact on the equine industry spans decades, marked by innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to connecting horse people around the world. In 2008, at a time when podcasting was still in its infancy, he founded the Horse Radio Network (HRN), creating what would become the largest online podcast network dedicated to the equine community. 

Through HRN, Hebert has helped unite riders, professionals, and enthusiasts across disciplines, breeds, and geographic boundaries. His flagship show, Horses in the Morning, which he co-hosts, has produced thousands of episodes and is recognized as one of the longest-running daily podcasts of any genre. His work has introduced countless new audiences to the horse world while providing education and entertainment to seasoned equestrians alike. 

Beyond his accomplishments as a media pioneer, Hebert is widely recognized for his generosity as a mentor and educator. He has guided aspiring podcast hosts within and beyond the equine industry, frequently sharing his expertise at conferences and industry events. His philosophy – that that a stronger media landscape benefits the entire equine industry – has helped elevate podcasting as a respected and influential communications platform. 

Colleagues describe Hebert not only as a visionary, but as a unifier whose warmth and authenticity have built a global community. As one nominator noted, he has “a rare gift for making everyone feel included, whether they are a world-class professional or a first-time pony owner,” creating a welcoming space that reflects the very best of the horse industry. 

Prior to launching HRN, Hebert’s hands-on experience in the industry included operating a boarding stable and tack store, where he was also an early adopter of online retail, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the equine world from the ground up. Today, even after the sale of HRN to Equine Network, he continues to serve as a leading voice in equine media, remaining closely connected to the audiences and community he helped build. 

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network, visit https://www.horseradionetwork.com/.

The award was established in 2001 through a partnership between American Horse Publications and award sponsor Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health).

The Equine Industry Vision Award (EIVA) has honored 20 individuals and 5 organizations that exemplify outstanding visionary achievements or sustained contributions that have profoundly impacted the equine industry. This distinguished award is a unique opportunity to publicly acknowledge ingenuity, originality, and effective innovation that exemplifies commitment, dedication, and service to this industry.

Details on nominating for the 2027 Equine Vision Industry Award will be available in the fall.

About American Horse Publications

American Horse Publications is dedicated to excellence in equine media through education and communication. AHP strives to be the primary source of education, resources, and networking for the equine media community. We believe a proactive approach in an ever-evolving communications-driven world allows us the flexibility and opportunity to promote, support, and reward excellence in equine media.

The Women Podcasters Awards has announced the winners of its 2026 awards program, recognizing outstanding women-led podcasts and podcast professionals across a wide range of categories.

The Women Podcasters Awards spotlights creators who are informing, entertaining, educating, and inspiring listeners around the globe. From emerging voices to established industry leaders, the 2026 winners represent the growing impact and influence of women in podcasting.

“The podcasting space continues to expand in meaningful ways, and women are leading powerful conversations across every niche imaginable,” said Jennifer Henczel, Founder of the Women Podcasters Awards. “These winners are being recognized not only for the quality of their shows, but for the communities they build, the stories they share, and the difference they make through their voices."

Podcasting remains one of the fastest-growing media channels worldwide, with millions of listeners tuning in regularly for trusted voices, authentic storytelling, and niche expertise. As the industry evolves, women podcasters are continuing to shape conversations in business, wellness, education, entertainment, advocacy, and beyond.

The Women Podcasters Awards were created to elevate and celebrate women’s voices in podcasting while creating greater visibility for creators who are making a meaningful contribution through their content.

The Awards celebration can be viewed online

2026 Award Winners

Podcasts Detail

• Best Authors & Books Podcast Award: Getting Lit with Linda, hosted by Linda Morra
• Best Business Podcast Award: Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd
• Best Careers Podcasts Award: Loud & Lifted, hosted by Betsy Hamm
• Best Coaching Podcast Award: Transforming Healthcare Coaching, hosted by Lillian Liang Emlet
• Best Coaching Podcast Award: Communication Queen, hosted by Kimberly Spencer
• Best Comedy Podcast Award: Filthy Milfs, hosted by Ellen Ancui & Sophie Levine
• Best Documentary Podcast Award: The Rabbit Hole: Conspiracy Theories, hosted by Danielle Mercy
• Best Education Podcast Award: The Female Stoic, hosted by: Stephanie Poppins
• Best Financial Podcast Award: The Angel Next Door, hosted by Marcia Dawood
• Best History Podcast Award: True Weird Stuff, hosted by Sheri Lynch
• Best Horror, Thriller & Paranormal Podcast Award: Hellhound Country, hosted by Alexandra Segel
• Best Inspiration & Motivation Podcast Award: When Spirit Talks, hosted by Stefanie Ruth
• Best LGBTQIA2S+ Podcast Award: More Human More Kind, hosted by Heather Hester 
• Best Lifestyle Podcast Award: The Language Of Play, hosted by Dinalynn Rosenbush
• Best Mindset & Mental Health Podcast Award: Magnetic Communication, hosted by Sandy Gerber
• Best News or Entertainment Podcast Award: Consider This For Comfort, hosted by Eteng Ettah
• Best Pets & Animals Podcast Award: Working Like Dogs, hosted by Marcie Davis
• Best Regional Podcast Award: SoCal Voices Podcast, hosted by Angela Ross
• Best Science Podcast Award: All Access DNA, hosted by Kate Wilson
• Best Society & Cultures Podcast Award: Unspoken Lives Podcast, hosted by Kelsey Billingsley
• Best Sports Podcast Award: In the Pink Sports, hosted by Tammy Trujillo & Mara Flynn Cassidy
• Best Storytelling Podcast Award: Cake for Dinner, hosted by Keesha Scott
• Best Technology Podcast Award: Faith and Tech Bytes with Amy Lynn
• Best Wellness Podcast Award: Bendy Bodies, hosted by Dr Linda Bluestein
• Best Broadcaster Award: Powerful Women Off the Record, hosted by Elisabeth Vealey
• Best Producer Award: April Sumner
• Best Expert Guest Award: Dr. Hayley D Quinn

The organizers also wish to recognize the sponsors and partners who help make this celebration possible. Sponsor support is a critical part of sustaining and growing the awards each year, helping expand visibility, celebration opportunities, and resources that elevate women’s voices in podcasting on a larger scale.

Sponsors & Media Partners

• Jennifer Henczel - Women Podcasters Network
• Angela Feser - Social Bliss Content Club
• James Cridland - Podnews
• Steve Collins - Podcasting Today
• Demetrius Bagley - Black Podcasting Awards
• Dave Jackson - School of Podcasting
• Rob Greenlee - Podcast Hall of Fame
• Greg Wasserman - RSS.com
• Jen Hardy - Hardy House Media
• Angela Ross - SoCal Voices
• Jennifer Cramer - Success Seekers Sanctuary
• Melanie Benson - Rising Tide Collective
• Tom Fox - Compliance Podcast Network
• Dan LeFebvre - Based on a True Story
• Alex Sanfilippo - PodMatch
• Jeff Revilla - Poduty Podcast Theater
• Guelda Redman - BC Women's Business Network
• Gretchen Schoser - Schoser Talent & Wellness Solutions
• Heather Osgood - True Native Media
• Heidy De La Cruz - The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants
• Podcast Anastasia - Lipske Access Speakers
• Deirdre Tshien - Capsho
• Leslie Poston - PsyberSpace™
• Caroline Balinska - Ignite Collective
• John Largent - Largent Media

The Women Podcasters Awards welcomes collaborations, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships from organizations that believe in amplifying women’s voices and supporting the future of podcasting. Continued sponsor involvement plays an important role in helping keep the awards thriving for years to come.

The Women Podcasters Awards is looking for large corporate sponsors or collaborators to keep the Women Podcasters Awards afloat. We do not want to raise the price for the nominees, because the purpose of this awards is create visibility opportunities for independent women podcasters, while keeping the costs low and accessible. If you're interested the possibilities, contact us.

Looking ahead, the next awards season will officially open on December 1, inviting new nominations and setting the stage for another year of celebrating remarkable women in podcasting worldwide.

The complete winners list, featured podcasts, and celebration highlights can be viewed at: https://www.womenpodcasters.com

Queensland before the '90's wasn’t exactly queer-friendly.

Sex between men was outlawed and police could burst into your house at any time. The gay clubs were a rare island of queer culture, defended by Drag bouncers who ran interference with the cops whenever they threatened to enter.

“If you looked different in any way, and you were out on the streets of Brisbane, you were a target and easy pickings. There was no recourse because it was the police that was doing the bashing.” Edwina Shaw - co-editor of Queersland and co-founder of Pride Collective in Queensland.

It was a hard time to be queer, but the community banded together and fought sequin and nail for change.

“It's that raw passion stuff that happens where you just wanna f—ing smash systems. And that's what actually had to occur in Queensland. They had to smash a system and we f—ing did.” Odette Best - registered nurse, health academic, Yugambeh, Goreng Goreng and Boonthamurra woman.

Queersland, the podcast, is based on the beautifully curated anthology of the same name (foreword by Darren Hayes from Savage Garden), collecting the history of Queensland as it became a place where queer people could be themselves.

The series is a celebration of the state's unique culture, featuring six master storytellers across five episodes. From the heartbreaking reality of giving shock treatment to a trans woman to discovering your queerness while watching John Travolta in a Far North movie theatre, Queersland shares stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

National public broadcasters CBC, ABC and the BBC today announced that they are joining forces to bring back the beloved audio short-form documentary series Short Cuts as a podcast and radio series, with the original host, British comedian Josie Long, and produced by the creators of the series, U.K. radio production company Falling Tree Productions. From its inception in 2012 and up until its final episode in 2025, the original long-running program was known as a home for award-winning personal documentaries and experimental storytelling, and developed a devoted international following. 

For the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions has announced a call for pitches, open from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1 on their website. The new iteration of the series will premiere in 2027 everywhere podcasts are available, as well as on CBC Listen, BBC Sounds and ABC listen, and radio platforms CBC Radio, BBC Radio 4 and ABC Radio. 

"I can't wait to start making Short Cuts again,” said host Josie Long. “It's been the joy and privilege of my career to present this series! There are so many new ideas, voices and ways of making things in sound to discover - I'm proud to be a part of a show that is dedicated to helping bring these into the world."

“This landmark collaboration not only revives a beloved series, but also represents a shared commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in narrative audio,” said Arif Noorani, Director, CBC Podcasts. “By sharing resources and expanding audiences with BBC and ABC, we are building on the Short Cuts legacy of developing the next generation of audio makers.” 

“Short Cuts is a brilliant showcase for inventive, intimate audio storytelling, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to global audiences through this collaboration with CBC and the BBC,” said Jess Radburn, ABC Head of Audio on Demand. “This renowned short-form series gives Australian creators the chance to be heard alongside leading emerging and established talent worldwide, and through the open pitch call we’re supporting the next wave of bold audio storytellers on a global stage.”

“I’m delighted that the BBC is partnering with CBC and ABC to bring Short Cuts back, not only to its existing loyal fanbase but also to new listeners around the world,” says Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4. “It's a powerful example of how public broadcasters can join forces to champion distinctive audio, and a brilliant addition to the opportunities Radio 4 already offers to emerging producers to help them develop their craft." 

Known for its adventurous spirit, the original Short Cuts series became a cornerstone of the global audio community, with each episode featuring a selection of short documentaries exploring a wide range of subjects through inventive and highly crafted audio. The series offered both established and emerging creators a rare space to experiment with form, sound and narrative. Short Cuts has received two Gold awards for Best Radio Podcast at the British Podcast Awards; the Gold Award, Best New Artists and Best Short at the Third Coast International Audio Festival; the Miller Audio Prize in Audio Documentary; as well as awards from Prix Marulić, Grand Prix Nova, and Hearsay Festival.

As part of the relaunch, Falling Tree Productions is hosting an open call for pitches from international audio producers. The call invites both emerging and established makers to submit ideas for short audio documentaries that embody the spirit of Short Cuts: inventive, personal, and sonically adventurous. More information can be found on their website, and pitches can be submitted from now until 11:59 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 1.

At a time when women in corporate are quitting and burning out in record numbers and instead are building side hustles whilst dreaming of escape, Tasneem Bhamji, a Corporate Exec in Financial Services & Career Strategist, is doing something different, she's staying put. Not because the system is perfect (far from it) but because she knows exactly how it works, and Tas leans in to what it takes to win a system that is flawed, on your own terms.

As Instagram sells us the hustle of being a girl boss, Tas is the insider helping you grow your career from within. Her new weekly podcast Office Real Talk with Tas is released each Wednesday to get you over the mid week hump. Episodes are short and direct and Tas will expose the unwritten rules of corporate life that most ethnic minority women never get told. 

With over a decade inside major banks, having managed thousands of people, and leading complex, large-scale digital transformation programmes across the UK financial services sector, Tas has sat in the rooms where the real decisions get made. Now she’s sharing what she sees holding people like her back at work.

Speaking on the launch, Tas says: "The corporate world has always had an inner circle and for a long time, that circle wasn't built for people like me. A brown woman, raised on free school meals, living with ADHD, sitting in rooms I was never supposed to be in. What I've learned is that the people who make it don't just work harder. They understand how the system works. This podcast is what I wish someone had handed me on day one. The stuff that actually gets you in the room, keeps you there, and helps you bring others with you."

Office Real Talk delivers frank, strategic, insider insight into how corporate organisations actually operate: who gets promoted, how pay is decided, what visibility really means, and what the people at the top know that most ethnic minority employees never get told.

Episodes include:

• Why You're Feeling Stuck in Your Corporate Role: Tas breaks down the unspoken patterns that keep high performers parked at the same level for years, including the perfectionism trap and how organisations quietly sideline ambitious employees without ever saying so. 
• How to Negotiate Your Salary Like a Corporate Boss: Tackles the mindset shifts and practical tools needed to stop undervaluing your own worth, covering not just base salary but everything on the table. 
• Visibility and Self-Advocacy: What Actually Gets You Noticed at Work: Draws the distinction between being busy and being seen, and why you need both working together to move forward. 
• Why You're Not Getting Promoted: Goes inside the room where promotion decisions actually get made, laying out the four things that determine who gets the nod and why performance alone rarely cuts it. 
• No More Imposter Syndrome: Tas argues that what most people call imposter syndrome is actually a rational response to environments that weren't designed with them in mind.

Tas speaks directly to professionals who have historically been underserved by mainstream career advice: women navigating the double standard of ambition, professionals of colour managing systemic bias, those with ADHD or neurodivergent conditions who lead differently, and anyone who’s ever felt like the only one in the room and privately wondered whether that was ever going to change.

Office Real Talk is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TikTok, and Instagram, with new episodes every Wednesday.

International podcasting is one of the biggest opportunities in audio advertising, wrongly treated as one market by US advertisers when in fact it’s four distinct audiences with their own shows, publishers and unwritten rules.  For brands, correcting this misunderstanding is the difference between a worldwide takeoff and never leaving the runway. 

Oxford’s latest data removes the guesswork, identifying the key international markets ready for brand ad budgets today, UK-English, Spanish, French and German, as well as a host of critical insights.

The top insights:

• International is not a destination; it is a departure point: These are all markets worth expanding. Just as you wouldn’t buy a bucket of assorted international food and call dinner a success, your campaign isn’t done when you purchase a pile of international spots with no consideration.
• Check your facts: A plan that works in one market won't automatically work in another. Europe alone has 24 official languages!
• ‘Sports’ means football (the one where you use only your feet) and F1: The NFL does not travel… yet. But remember from our sports analysis that the racing season is much longer, so consider that a plus.
• Note market differences and reap the rewards: Within the UK-English market, “conversation” and ‘culture’ formats are showing a directional efficiency edge over ‘sports’.

“Stepping into the international podcast market takes courage but it shouldn’t require a leap of faith. ORBIT gives marketers the data and intelligence to move boldly and reduce the risk,” says Steven Abraham, President Intl., Oxford Road.

Oxford’s Measurement Advantage

Findings were surfaced using ORBIT (Oxford Road Benchmark Intelligence Tool) – built on the industry's largest index of podcast advertising performance data. The system measures actual customer acquisition costs, return on ad spend, and sales results from real campaigns. Oxford Road has processed more podcast advertising performance data than any other agency, creating an index that normalizes results across different advertiser goals and verticals.

For performance marketers, the tool enables advertisers to de-risk initial buys, optimize faster, and find high-performing shows before they become expensive. 

Oxford Road will continue to release new ORBIT rankings monthly, covering categories including genre-specific performance, international markets, emerging shows, and vertical-specific results. Each ranking draws from Oxford Road's proprietary database of campaign outcomes across podcasting, streaming audio, terrestrial radio, and creator-based video.

The full “ORBIT's Top Performing International Podcasts” list and methodology details are available here. 

About Oxford Road

Oxford Road is the world's largest podcast advertising agency, specializing in audio advertising across podcasting, streaming audio, terrestrial radio, and creator-based video. Following its 2024 merger with Veritone One, the agency serves Fortune 500 companies, global publicly held enterprises, B2B brands, and direct-to-consumer businesses, having processed more podcast advertising performance data than any other firm. Recognized as thought leaders by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Adweek, and Ad Age, Oxford Road continues to drive industry innovation. ORBIT is part of Oxford Road's WOVN decision-support platform, which includes proprietary tools like Audiolytics® and advanced brand safety solutions.

Self-styled supervarmint Harry Hill is thrilled to announce Series 2 of his hugely successful visualised podcast, The Harry Hill Show.

Following the phenomenal success of Series 1 - with over 1 million streams across Spotify and nearly 4 million views on YouTube across shorts and full episodes - Harry returns with even more chaos, comedy and curious conversation.

Join Harry, his son Gary, and Sarah the A.I. Bot as they chat with a motley crew of comedians, celebrities and cultural icons. And if that wasn’t enough, each episode dives deep into the wonders of the world with experts tackling subjects ranging from the Big Bang and Day of the Dead to FLIES - all tied into the theme of the week. PLUS, returning by popular demand: the game everyone is talking about… Name The Seed.

Harry Hill said: “I’m thrilled at the response to the Harry Hill Show - as are all the team - especially Licky. In a deeply troubled world we’re bringing SILLY back!”

Series 2 of The Harry Hill Show features an eclectic, star-studded line-up spanning comedy, broadcasting and culture, bringing together some of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Guests include sharp-witted comedian Joe Lycett, quick-fire stand-up Adam Hills, and award-winning comic Bridget Christie, alongside creative mastermind Alex Horne and legendary broadcaster Louis Theroux. The run continues with rising and established favourites including Jack Skipper, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Joel Dommett, Jess Fostekew, SunilPatel and Melvin Odoom. After a summer break, the series returns with more big names including Angela Barnes, Miles Jupp, Deborah Meaden, Paul Sinha, Matt Baker, Leigh Francis, Sara Pascoe, Paul Whitehouse, Red Richardson, Anita Rani, Ore Oduba and SpencerJones - delivering a fast-paced mix of comedy, conversation and chaos across the entire run.

Series one featured a star-studded line-up of special guests including Self Esteem, Stewart Lee, CMAT, Ed Gamble, Phil Wang, Jack Dee, Romesh Ranganathan, Alex Brooker, Adam Buxton, Laura Smyth, Nish Kumar and more! You can watch previous episodes on the LINK HERE.

Expect more joyful nonsense, unexpected facts and the sort of left-field tangents only Harry can pull off. One minute you’ll be knee-deep in surreal silliness, the next you’ll be oddly well-informed about something you never knew you cared about. With offbeat visuals, spontaneous songs and the ever-present risk of things going gloriously off the rails, The Harry Hill Show is a podcast that cheerfullyignores the rulebook – equal parts comedy, curiosity and controlled chaos. 

Award-winning comedian, presenter and author Harry Hill has been one of the UK’s most respected and inventive entertainers for nearly thirty years. Starting with his own ingenious comedy series on BBC Two and Channel 4, he went on to create the multiple award-winning ITV series Harry Hill’s TV Burp, which ran for ten years. He created and starred in three series of ITV’s Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule, BBC Two’s Harry Hill’s World of TV, was the longstanding voice of ITV’s You’ve Been Framed, the presenter of Channel 4’s Junior Bake Off and the voice of Bristles in CBBC’s Go Get Arty.

Harry hosted the hilarious hit family-friendly podcast Are We There Yet? which was designed to get families from A to B, with Harry interviewing comedians and cultural icons, and focusing on a fascinating theme each week with an expert in the field. 

As an author, he has written several best-selling joke books and, among others, the popular children’s series Matt Millz. His latest children’s book, How to Be Silly, was published by Walker Books in autumn 2024.

Harry’s 2025 tour, Diamond Jubilee Tour: New Bits & Greatest Hits, was a smash hit with audiences of all ages, with the Guardian hailing Harry as a ‘comedy craftsman’ and the Sunday Times describing the show as ‘comedy at its wildly inventive best’. The comedy special will be filmed at Soho Theatre Walthamstow for release on Sky and NOW in Spring 2026.

As an artist, Harry has shown his work at the Royal Academy, and his filmmaking credentials have seen him take his film The Last Caveman on a nationwide cinema tour. With long-term collaborator Steve Brown, Harry created Tony! The Tony Blair Rock Opera, which enjoyed a critically acclaimed, sell-out run at London’s Park Theatre and embarked on a UK tour. 

Harry has won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award, eight British Comedy Awards, three BAFTAs and a Level 4 BAGA Gymnastics Award (forward roll, cartwheel, crab and roundoff).

Podcast creators have more ways than ever to grow audiences, but monetization has become increasingly fragmented across platforms, tools, and revenue streams. To help simplify the landscape, DAX US, the pioneering digital advertising exchange owned by Global, and Captivate, Global’s podcast hosting, distribution and monetisation platform—announced a fully integrated platform partnership to deliver a more unified monetization experience for creators.

Through this partnership, Captivate creators gain streamlined access to integrated monetization tools through Captivate’s Ad Marketplace, powered by DAX’s programmatic advertising capabilities. The collaboration expands creators’ ability to unlock scalable demand while giving advertisers direct access to premium podcast inventory at scale.

The integration positions DAX US as the programmatic monetization layer within Captivate’s ecosystem, helping creators generate revenue across programmatic advertising, direct sales, and emerging formats such as feed drops, all alongside existing monetization options like memberships, subscriptions, and tipping.

“Podcast creators deserve monetization that works as hard as they do,” said Mark Asquith, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Captivate. “This partnership with DAX US brings a new, in-depth level of monetization diversity to Captivate, connecting creators directly with scalable demand while keeping the experience simple and transparent.”

For creators, the goal is clear: reduce operational complexity while expanding revenue opportunities.

“Creators are increasingly running into monetization hurdles,” said Brian Conlan, President at DAX US. “By bringing these capabilities together in a single unified solution, we are delivering the clarity, flexibility, and scale creators need to build sustainable revenue.”

The partnership also reinforces DAX’s broader commitment to making podcast advertising more accessible and efficient for both creators and advertisers.

“This launch represents a meaningful step forward in simplifying podcast monetization for creators,” said Rob Walch, VP of Podcast Relations at DAX US. “We want to ensure creators of all sizes have seamless access to meaningful revenue opportunities, while maintaining control over how they monetize and grow their shows.”

As podcasting continues to evolve, DAX US and Captivate are focused on building a more connected monetization ecosystem—one that gives creators greater control while making it easier for advertisers to transact across premium podcast inventory through a single, scaled platform.

Creators and advertisers will begin to be onboarded in June 2026.

PodcastVideos.com has named Meghan Dryzga Vice President of Strategic Growth.

Dryzga is a creative and AI strategy leader with more than two decades of digital marketing experience. She will focus on strategic growth, new business development and enterprise-level client relationships.

"Meghan understands both the creative side of storytelling and the systems that help organizations scale it," said Eric Howerton, Founder of PodcastVideos.com. "She brings deep experience in AI-driven strategy, enterprise marketing and the kind of high-level relationship building that will help us keep growing in smart, targeted ways."

Founded in 2022 and named a 2026 Arkansas Business of the Year finalist and 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, PodcastVideos.com has grown into a full-service video storytelling operation — helping higher education institutions, businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and civic organizations build consistent presences through video and audio podcasts, YouTube shows and short-form social content. Two cornerstone client shows, Doing Business in Bentonville and Big Talk About Small Business, each surpassed 100 episodes in 2025.

Most recently Dryzga spent nearly six years at J.B. Hunt leading UX design, content and creative strategy across more than 20 products, and most recently building AI-driven tools and custom agents to enhance team productivity. Her earlier work includes serving as Creative Director at VMLY&R/Rockfish for clients including Walmart, Sam's Club and Murphy USA, and leading the Murphy Drive Rewards app to one million users during its pilot phase.

"Meghan brings a rare mix of creative instinct, enterprise experience and strategic discipline," said Bob Halstead, President of PodcastVideos.com. "She knows how to connect big-picture business goals to the kind of consistent content strategy that helps organizations grow and stay visible."

PodcastVideos.com operates a purpose-built studio at 5102 W. Pauline Whitaker Pkwy in Rogers, featuring multiple camera setups, broadcast lighting and professional audio for group and individual recordings. The company's video-first model turns a single recorded conversation into a full publishing package — video episodes, audio podcast feeds, short-form clips, show notes and newsletter content — allowing clients to maintain consistent visibility without adding internal headcount.

PodcastVideos.com helps higher education institutions, businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and civic organizations scale video storytelling through video and audio podcasts, YouTube shows and short-form social content. The company's Rogers studio produces more than 50 shows per month. Learn more at podcastvideos.com.

When Erica Brinker’s son Luca died suddenly at four months old, the people closest to her struggled to find the words. What broke through the silence was not advice or condolence. It was strangers willing to speak honestly about loss, people she had never met, who had lived through something similar and described it without performance. That experience is the origin of At the Brink, the flagship podcast of At the Brink Media, a premium video interview podcast launched on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Each episode centers on a single question: What was your brink moment, the moment when everything changed?

The show debuts with a guest roster designed to challenge the cultural performance of composure or the expectation of a highlight reel. Confirmed Season One guests include:

• Hilary Simon, the central voice in Vanity Fair’s investigation into Miss Hall’s School and an advocate for Massachusetts H.4538, a bill that would criminalize educator sexual misconduct with students regardless of age of consent.
• Rick Kuehner, the Arizona father featured in The New York Times Magazine whose son was attacked by the Gilbert Goons. His advocacy helped pass Preston’s Law in May 2025, creating a new state felony for “swarming” violence.
• Ashlie Molstad, the body-positivity creator featured in People magazine for her viral campaign challenging fitness industry standards. She walked away from a seven-figure health business at the height of her platform.

“When I lost Luca, the people who loved me most did not know what to say,” said Brinker. “What helped me was finding people I had never met who had lived through something similar and were willing to talk about it honestly. There are millions of people who need that same connection. A real conversation. A story that feels true. Someone who has been at the brink and come back to talk about it.”

At the Brink launches at a moment when American women are leaving the workforce at record rates, with caregiving driving more than 1.9 million women aged 55 and older out of their jobs in 2023 alone. Brinker’s transition from public company officer to media founder reflects a wider cultural shift: women in leadership are increasingly building platforms that prioritize human connection over corporate scale.

"At the Brink is not a grief podcast and it is not a business podcast. It sits in the middle where we all live," Brinker said. "It is a podcast about founders, survivors, leaders and reinventers. The people who reached the brink and chose to talk about what actually happened. The show exists because those stories deserve a stage."

The inaugural PODCAST EXPO 2026 took place on May 9-10, 2026, bringing together podcasters, listeners, creators, media professionals, and brands at HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Tokyo.

Organized by the PODCAST EXPO Executive Committee (Zatsudan Inc. / Samposha Inc.), the two-day event welcomed 12,713 attendees, making it one of the largest podcast-focused gatherings ever held in Japan.

The event combined three distinct areas into a single festival:

• Podcast Weekend 2026, a free public market featuring podcast creators from across Japan
• P7 – PODCAST SUMMIT 2026, a paid conference focused on the future of podcasting and audio culture
• PODCAST EXPO: EXHIBITION, an interactive exhibition area hosted by major industry partners

The event brought together podcast creators, listeners, and industry professionals from across Japan.

By the Numbers

• 152 podcast programs exhibited
• 63 speakers across 24 sessions
• 22 partner companies participated
• 12,713 attendees over two days
• 9,153 social posts related to the event
• 4.37+ million social impressions

Participating partners included companies such as Spotify Japan, Yamaha Music Japan, Zoom Corporation, Netflix Japan, J-WAVE, and others.

Unlike traditional conferences or fan conventions, PODCAST EXPO 2026 was designed as a space where creators, listeners, and companies could interact directly without barriers.

At the outdoor “Podcast Weekend” market area, more than 150 podcast creators sold original merchandise, met listeners face-to-face, hosted signing sessions, and built new collaborations.

Meanwhile, “P7 – PODCAST SUMMIT” featured discussions on podcast culture, audio storytelling, creator economies, branded podcasts, and the future of spoken-word media in Japan.

The exhibition area featured photo booths, hands-on audio experiences, and workshops from companies including Spotify, Zoom, and J-WAVE.

“We wanted to create a place where creators, listeners, and people working in podcasting could meet in person,” said the PODCAST EXPO Executive Committee.

“Japan’s podcast scene has been growing rapidly, but there are still not many opportunities for everyone involved in the industry to gather in the same place. PODCAST EXPO 2026 was our first attempt to do that.”

Red Seat Ventures, a Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) creator-led media company, today announced a multiyear partnership with Crime Weekly, a true crime podcast hosted by private investigator and former police detective Derrick Levasseur and true crime digital creator Stephanie Harlowe. Under the agreement, Red Seat Ventures will serve as the exclusive audio and video ad sales partner for Crime Weekly and distribute the show across FOX’s streaming platforms – including Tubi and FOX One – as well as other third-party platforms like YouTube.

With Derrick’s extensive law-enforcement background and Stephanie's gift for researching and writing, Crime Weekly is a podcast that dissects the most occult cases to the most timely ones, and covers details of investigations in ways not often seen. Launched in 2020, Crime Weekly has garnered nearly 90 million views on YouTube and more than 50 million podcast listens.

“Crime Weekly is one of most thrilling and captivating podcasts in the true crime space,” said Alyse Powers, Vice President of Events, Red Seat Ventures. “We’ve hosted Derrick and Stephanie at our CrimeCon events, and now we’re delighted to officially partner with them in monetizing their business across wide-ranging distribution platforms.”

“Red Seat Ventures are experts in building new business avenues for creators like us in the true-crime podcast ecosystem. What’s made this partnership even more meaningful is the incredible work they’ve done helping victims and their families amplify their voices and bring attention to cases that deserve to be heard,” said Derrick and Stephanie. “This deal is a natural evolution of our longstanding relationship, and we’re excited to continue bringing these important stories to even wider audiences.”

The deal builds on Red Seat Ventures’ continued evolution from a podcast network into a full-scale creator-led media company and is the latest addition to its growing content portfolio. By pairing the biggest creators with best-in-class distribution, monetization and technology — including its recently launched Speakeasy hosting and ad-tech platform — Red Seat Ventures is building lasting creator-led franchises at scale.

AdLarge and the fwd. network today announced the renewal of The Tamsen Show, the podcast hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, filmmaker, and women’s health advocate Tamsen Fadal, following a breakout first year marked by audience growth, cultural impact, and a 2025 Signal Award.

Since launching on the fwd. network, The Tamsen Show has become a leading voice across the Self-Improvement, Education, and Health & Fitness categories with a highly engaged audience of women ages 35–55.

The show’s growth and deep audience trust have translated into sustained brand partnerships, including a second-year sponsorship with Midi Health, a virtual care clinic focused on women in midlife.

That momentum has also attracted premium brand collaborations, including a custom, integrated campaign with Audible spanning audio, video, and social. Tamsen’s relationship with the brand extends beyond the show, including voicing her own book on Audible.

In response to growing listener and brand partner demand, The Tamsen Show has expanded to two episodes per week, with expert-led conversations on Mondays and Thursdays.

Tamsen’s distinct voice and perspective are central to the show’s success. Drawing on decades of journalism experience and her own personal journey, she leads honest conversations around life transitions, health, relationships, and reinvention. Guests have included Halle Berry, Emma Grede, Arthur Brooks, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Rita Wilson, Jennie Garth, Kandi Burruss, Emma Heming Willis, Marie Forleo, Molly Sims, along with top doctors and experts.

Beyond the podcast, Tamsen continues to lead one of the most important conversations in women’s health. She hosted the first ever World’s Hottest Menopause Party, reaching more than 62,000 women, and is the producer and executive producer of The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, which screened in more than 700 cities across 44 countries. Her New York Times bestselling book, How to Menopause, has been translated into several languages, and she recently launched her second award winning documentary,The M Factor 2: Before the Pause- Perimenopause.

“I’m excited to continue The Tamsen Show with the fwd. network,” said Tamsen. “There is a clear need for honest conversations around change, health, and what comes next. That connection is resonating with listeners and with brands looking to show up in an authentic way.”

“The momentum behind The Tamsen Show is clear,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Tamsen has built a loyal audience that trusts her voice and returns consistently. That trust is driving real demand from brand partners. The continued partnership with Midi Health is a strong example of how brands are seeing real value in aligning with trusted voices like Tamsen.” The renewal reflects fwd.’s continued growth as a multi-channel creator platform connecting premium talent with brand partners at scale.

New episodes of The Tamsen Show are released weekly on Mondays and Thursdays and are available on all major podcast platforms.

For more information about advertising on The Tamsen Show, please contact sales@adlarge.com.

This long-awaited update marks a significant step forward in how podcasting and audio businesses are defined, understood, and supported within the UK economy.

SIC codes play a critical role in shaping how businesses are classified across government and financial systems. They influence how lenders assess companies, determine eligibility for funding and support schemes, and underpin how sectors are measured and represented in official data.

Until now, many podcast and audio businesses have operated within ill-fitting or outdated classifications, often grouped into categories that did not accurately reflect the nature of podcast production, publishing, or audio-led business models.

The introduction of a dedicated classification for podcasting and audio publishing signals a meaningful shift in recognising the industry’s distinct identity and growing economic contribution.

As part of the UK’s wider creative industries, which contributes £124 billion GVA and supports 2.4 million jobs, the podcast and audio industry continues to demonstrate rapid growth, innovation, and commercial impact. Formal recognition within the SIC framework is an important step toward ensuring that contribution is properly understood, measured, and supported.

AudioUK played a key role in securing this change, working closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and the BBC to advocate for accurate and representative classification of the sector.

Chris Baughen, CEO of AudioUK said:

"This is a major milestone for the UK podcast and audio industry. Formal recognition within the SIC framework helps validate the scale, value and economic contribution of podcast and audio businesses and marks an important step toward ensuring audio businesses are properly represented across government, finance and the wider creative economy."

The new SIC 2026 framework will be implemented in stages, with full adoption expected by 2031. AudioUK will continue to keep its members informed as further details and guidance become available.

This development sends a strong signal that the UK’s economic frameworks are evolving to better reflect the realities of modern media and the vital role that podcast and audio creators and businesses play within it.