Buzzsprout adds automatic midroll dynamic audio

• Buzzsprout has added automated midrolls to their dynamic audio insertion tool. The tool automatically works out “excellent placements” for midrolls in episodes, allowing you to add or remove sponsor credits as well as other time-sensitive messages.

• Acast is using its Acast+ one-time payment tool to produce an exclusive podcast mixtape, with proceeds going directly to two mental health and mindfulness charities. Exclusive content has been produced by UK and Irish podcasters for the “Mindful Mixtape”.

  • Lizzy Pollott from Acast is interviewed in the Podcast Business Journal newsletter later today. You can subscribe here.

• In a new study (here presented on video), “Hit Play, Boomer!”, Edison Research and NPR have revealed that podcast listening among those aged 55+, so-called “boomers”, has not grown in recent years. There is, however, a lot of opportunity in this age-group, said the President of Edison Research, Larry “boomer” Rosin, sharing opportunities to reach the audience.

• Luminary has reportedly cut some shows and even reduced staff salaries, according to Ashley Carman.

• The hunt is on to find the UK’s next big podcaster, and £5,000 of podcast services are up for grabs if you’ve got a great idea. Turn Up has been launched by Earworm, a podcast agency in the UK, looking for a “one-of-a-kind podcast concept to develop into a chart topping series”.

• Farrago 2 has been launched by Rogue Amoeba. The tool is a soundboard for the Mac.

• Joe Rogan thinks things will get “real slippery” after a fake AI-generated podcast appeared featuring his voice. (Again).

• There’s gold in the hills of audio fiction, claims Jordan Petersen, the founder and CEO of Voltage Productions.

• Want to support Podnews in a really easy way? Get our podcasts ad-free on Apple Podcasts.

Moves & Hires

• Christine Louis has joined NHPR as its new Vice President of Development. One of NHPR’s biggest podcasts is true crime show Bear Brook.

Podcast News

The Capsule in Conversation is on top of the world after being selected as an in-flight podcast for British Airways. The press release contains previously elusive information: the name of the company that supplies media to many of the world’s leading airlines.

As Podcast Business Journal publishes its first weekly edition today, you might enjoy the Podcast Business Journal Spotlight archive - a list of long-form interviews with the people that matter from podcasting, from 2018 to 2022.

In the Podnews Weekly Review this week, Sanden Totten from Kids Listen talks us through the latest survey of kids podcast listening. There’s a lot to unpack! Plus, Sam Sethi asks our Editor, James Cridland, to explain podcast GUIDs again.