Podcasts have more ads than ever

• There are more ads in podcasts than ever, says Magellan AI, which released its Quarterly Benchmark Report for Q4/2024. Average advertiser ad load increased over 20% year-on-year (but is still significantly less than broadcast radio, we’d add). The data shows a y-on-y ad-spend increase of 19%; and a 10% q-on-q increase in the number of brands advertising on podcasts.

• AIR released its 2025 Rate Guide, with updated benchmark freelance rates for producers, sound designers, story editors, fact-checkers, and researchers in the US audio industry.

• Adam Curry’s new project Godcaster has been launched. The tool allows Christian podcasts hosted anywhere to benefit from live streaming, funding tools and other Podcasting 2.0 features.

• The BBC World Service and the British Council have launched The International Audio Drama Competition. Winners of the scriptwriting competition will receive a cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026, and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms.

• Wondery’s true-crime podcasts are taking to the high seas, with Wondery Exhibit C’s True Crime Cruise from Miami to the Bahamas next January; you can expect podcast stars, crime experts, and crime-related activities like a murder mystery game. Actual murder not included.

• Apple Podcasts Connect is having scheduled maintenance on March 1 for up to eight hours from 6am PST. You’ll not be able to use Apple Podcasts Connect during that time.

• Realm is now exclusive ad-sales partner for the entire Adelicious podcast slate, in an expanded agreement. Realm started selling some Adelicious shows in 2023.

• In Canada, the Alberta podcast The Breakdown with Nate Pike has been removed after a court order. A medical company, MHCare - which is subject to a separate lawsuit from the former Alberta Health Services CEO - objected to allegations of improper behaviour.

  • Canada’s CTV News calls it “a web series”, since it’s also a video podcast on YouTube.

Tips and tricks - with Pod Predictor by Coleman Insights

• So, you got a negative review on Apple Podcasts? Here’s how to deal with it.

Podcast News - with Memberful

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Winnipeg’s Humans, On Rights has just published its 100th episode. The show talks with human rights activists - says host Stuart Murray: “One element that always brings it home is how underfunded, and understaffed, these organizations are. They keep their head down. They do amazing work.”

Hear It from the Host is new from SiriusXM, offering expert insights from the voices who’ve shaped the podcasting world and shares advice on how to connect with audiences and drive brand results. It’s focused on advertisers in the podcasting space, and is a new, seven-episode series.

Women in the driving seat is new from the UK’s Auto Trader today - part of Auto Trader’s commitment to showcase the automotive industry as a great place for women to work to attract and retain talent. The show will interview guests across the automotive industry and kicks off today with racing drivers Nathalie McGloin and Vicki Butler-Henderson.

The Shadow of El Dorado is a new investigative podcast launching today in the InSight Crime feed. This seven-part series follows the story of the mafia takeover of the Colombian mining town of Segovia and explores the issue of blood gold – gold that funds gangsters and warlords but also corrupt politicians and international business elites, and which ends up in the hands of us, the global consumers.

Happy to Help is back for a new season. The customer support podcast from Buzzsprout starts with “5 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Customer Service in 2025” - whether you’re leading a team, working the inbox, or looking for fresh ways to improve your customer experience, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you succeed.