Pocket Casts promise they won't change

Pocket Casts have written a new blog post to allay concerns about its acquisition by a consortium of US public radio companies (and its new CEO). Meanwhile, it’s the subject of HotPod 162 this week - Nick interviews NPR’s chief digital officer Thomas Hjelm on the purchase. (He also interviews the BBC on its plans).

Midroll brought in US$11m in revenue during Q1 2018, says RAIN. The company didn’t disclose profitability.

RAIN reports Carrie Lieberman has joined iHeartMedia as VP of Podcast Revenue Strategy.

“Our podcast just won a Webby Award for Best Sound Design & Original Music Score. Here’s how I process the vocals…” posts a redditor. The podcast in question is Invisible City.

Spotify has done a deal with book publisher Bloomsbury. Spotify will make books from their 33⅓ series available on the platform.

Serial is coming back for season 3, in Q3 of this year.

Vice interviews the producers of This Sounds Serious, a Canadian parody true-crime podcast.

In The Word From Mouth - why data matters big-time for podcasters serious about competing in fast-moving environment, why quality and engagement will be crucial, and why the fact that podcasting is having a big moment — and new big players with deep pockets are on scene — both require podcasters to pay attention to the network effect of having a tribe. Plus an interview with William Hung (of “American Idol” fame) on his new podcast From Fear to Courage.

The podcast scene in Edmonton AB, Canada, is covered in a local magazine.

Listicle: 14 Best Turnkey Podcasting Software. From that list, Cleanfeed, which we covered on Aug 8 '17.

New podcast: Business Unusual With Barbara Corcoran (“Shark Tank”), launched by iHeartRadio.

And Triple M radio presenter Mark Howard didn’t win an Australian Podcast Award, but he’s not bitter…