BBC forms special team for voice-controlled speakers

The BBC is looking for a “Senior Software Engineer for BBC Voice”. The job ad reads, in part: “Our mission within the newly formed BBC Voice and Conversational Interfaces team is to shape interaction with the BBC at both an audience and organisational level through these assistants, and pioneer new formats and technology that bring the BBC to life in an artificial intelligence first world.”

Data and insight from Mamamia, a podcast producer in Australia - they’ve hit 40m total downloads (since starting two years ago). Also, of note: the Australian AdNews magazine will include a podcasting feature in its March edition.

A feature on WGN Radio, a station in Chicago IL, USA, looking at local podcasting.

Canada: details of the Aberta Podcast Network, which promotes and supports Alberta-made podcasts.

Kylie Sturgess, who broadcasts a segment about podcasting on ABC Local Radio in WA, writes a list of her top five podcasts, and highlights some of her predictions for 2018.

A piece on Wondery’s American History Tellers podcast. “It’s just a return to an art form that’s been with us for a long time. It’s kind of the old-school radio programs - it’s the best way to be together with someone while being alone.”

Scottish broadcaster Colin Kelly writes good news, and bad news, that his podcast is now available on Google Home. The video’s worth a watch.