iHeartMedia returns to podtrac's charts

Podtrac have published their podcast data for January 2018. iHeartMedia returns to the charts, after podnews uncovered that iHeartMedia’s stats were incorrect and they were removed ; they’re back at #6 with 38m downloads. Podtrac have not published a 'top podcasts’ chart this time; we’ve reached out to ask why.

• Total global downloads are up 112% year-on-year, claim the company.

Podcast app Anchor has launched v3.0 of their app. Its focus is now on podcasting says The Verge, rather than simply sharing audio; RAIN notes that it now offers distribution to Spotify as well as Apple and Google.

Podcast platform RadioYo launches a $10m initial coin offering. You need to pre-register, and you need an Ethereum wallet that supports ERC-20. The minimum amount of RAO available is 500, and the maximum is 250,000 (0.75% of the total RAO). (We’re hoping this all means something to someone).

An enthusiastic reddit thread reminds us of one opportunity for podcasting: that of at-work listening.

Podcast Movement’s “Broadcasters meet Podcasters” track, run by Jacobs Media, is expanding to two days this year. (Podnews will be at Podcast Movement.)

Event: Brisbane Podcasters, Brisbane QLD Australia, Wednesday 28th February. Speaking is podnews’s Editor, James Cridland: a look at podcasting’s stats, and how they can make you a better podcaster.

Recommended for the young ones: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

What makes a good podcast experience? Evo Terra writes a thoughtful piece on how to make better podcasts. #3 - Make It Effortless To Keep Listening - is a good reminder that listeners don’t rewind to listen-again to bits they missed. Or, at least, they shouldn’t have to.

Podcasts should be recognized as legitimate form of entertainment, claims an article from The Lamron, a student newspaper for SUNY Geneseo. “The fact that anyone can start their own podcast may be why this platform is held in lower regard than other forms of entertainment,” says writer HC Hoag, though there appears to be no evidence for this assertion.

Is creating your own podcast actually worth it? asks the Wall Street Journal. Matthew Kitchen argues the case for “yes” and “no” - arguments against include the price for studio time and for professional podcast hosting packages.