Category: Podcasting

Categories
Alexa Amazon Echo App Everywhere Connected Car Podcasting Radio Smart Home

3 Tech Trends That Will Impact Your Radio Station This Year

By: Vince Kattoula

Radio has survived countless technological advancements over the years, from TV to iPods to streaming. But, perhaps the most dramatic changes, and most challenging, have yet to come. Below are some important technology trends that we think will influence your station this year.
Smart speakers. Radio’s presence in the home has been eroding since the appearance of the iPod. But new hope for radio has arrived in the form of “smart speakers,” particularly Amazon Echo. By now, you’ve probably heard about (or even used) “Alexa” and experienced all she can do. From setting the temperature on your smart thermostat to dimming the lights in your living room, there are a lot of cool things these speakers can do. For radio stations, however, their opportunity lies with Alexa’s ability to pull in the listener’s favorite station or podcast with a simple voice command. Radio’s at-home challenge – like so many of the others – starts with awareness, and then devising smart strategies to take advantage of this technology.
Podcasting. Podcasting, a once-obscure method of consuming audio, has become a leading medium for distributing audio content, whether for business or personal use. In 2016, 71% of podcasts were listened to on a mobile device. It’s no surprise that mobile is the dominant platform being used to stream podcasts, yet radio stations still haven’t embraced podcasting like they should. When combined, podcasting and radio can create exciting programming that brings together broadcasting’s skills at production, content creation and marketing in an exciting, unlimited new form.
Connected cars. The car dashboard is one of the greatest programming challenges for broadcasters today. It’s also one of the greatest opportunities. Radio still has a dominant presence within cars, but this does not mean things won’t change. More technology brings more choices, and there are a lot in connected cars. We can attribute much of this to the driver’s ability to bring in smartphone content as well as dashboard apps, like Pandora and Spotify, right to their screen. So, what does this mean for your station? Simple – your mobile app is the way in. Whether it’s the in-car system, CarPlay or Android Auto, your mobile app makes sure that when your listener is in the car, your brand stays top of mind.
Apps are the best way to engage consumers through their mobile phone since it allows a variety of content (and content types like audio, video, text, etc.) to go with them no matter where they are. We understand the potential of these technologies to redefine the way consumers inform and entertain themselves where they live and while on-the-go. That’s why we’ve been hard at work developing new “skills” for Amazon Echo and Google Home, adding to our App EverywhereSM initiative.
Reach out to us today! Call 248-353-9030, or email sales@jacapps.com for a free consultation.

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting

Podcasting Can Help Your Brand Grow, Here's How

By: Vince Kattoula

There seems to be a podcast for just about every interest out there. With the right content and an effective strategy, a podcast can help grow your brand and even capture new leads. To stay relevant, and to maintain your place as one of the 27 apps that smartphone owners use on average, podcasting should definitely be a part of your content and marketing mix.
Building meaningful relationships with consumers takes effort. As you work to move customers down the sales “funnel,” podcasts can be a great tool to complement your efforts. Through a podcast, you can connect with your audience on a personal level, inform them about subjects relevant to them and their decision about using your product or service, and speak directly to their interests. It’s an awesome platform to keep up with your brand for a busy professional who’s always on-the-go.
Blogs are a great way to get your message across to your target audience. But, unlike podcasts, they cannot be consumed while driving or while doing other activities, like exercising or cleaning the house. Thanks to the ease with which people can listen to them on their mobile devices, podcasts can attract people who are not as interested (or don’t have the time) in consuming written content. Having a podcast available to share with your audience during whatever activity they may be doing increases your chance of engaging with them further, as well as introducing new people to your brand.
If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement. This year, it takes place in Anaheim, CA from August 23-25. And, if you work in/around radio and would like $100 off your Podcast Movement registration, our sister company, Jacobs Media, was nice enough to provide a discount code. Use JACOBS100 for the $100 discount when you register here.

Podcast Movement 2017: Broadcasters Meet Podcasters

One of the best things about the apps we build here at jācapps is the podcasting feature. It is second only to the stream in popularity. Click here to get even more of an understanding of how podcasting can help your brand. You can also reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting

Podcasting Can Help Your Brand Grow, Here’s How

By: Vince Kattoula

There seems to be a podcast for just about every interest out there. With the right content and an effective strategy, a podcast can help grow your brand and even capture new leads. To stay relevant, and to maintain your place as one of the 27 apps that smartphone owners use on average, podcasting should definitely be a part of your content and marketing mix.

Building meaningful relationships with consumers takes effort. As you work to move customers down the sales “funnel,” podcasts can be a great tool to complement your efforts. Through a podcast, you can connect with your audience on a personal level, inform them about subjects relevant to them and their decision about using your product or service, and speak directly to their interests. It’s an awesome platform to keep up with your brand for a busy professional who’s always on-the-go.

Blogs are a great way to get your message across to your target audience. But, unlike podcasts, they cannot be consumed while driving or while doing other activities, like exercising or cleaning the house. Thanks to the ease with which people can listen to them on their mobile devices, podcasts can attract people who are not as interested (or don’t have the time) in consuming written content. Having a podcast available to share with your audience during whatever activity they may be doing increases your chance of engaging with them further, as well as introducing new people to your brand.

If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement. This year, it takes place in Anaheim, CA from August 23-25. And, if you work in/around radio and would like $100 off your Podcast Movement registration, our sister company, Jacobs Media, was nice enough to provide a discount code. Use JACOBS100 for the $100 discount when you register here.

Podcast Movement 2017: Broadcasters Meet Podcasters

One of the best things about the apps we build here at jācapps is the podcasting feature. It is second only to the stream in popularity. Click here to get even more of an understanding of how podcasting can help your brand. You can also reach out to us at 248-353-9030 or sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting Radio

What Your Radio Station Can Do to Avoid Being Replaced by a Podcast

By: Vince Kattoula

The success of shows like Serial have made podcasts more popular than ever. Even Google has gotten involved in the podcasting space as they debuted a podcast directory in Google Play Music. In fact, according to Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey 12, the percentage of radio listeners who listened to a podcast within the last month increased from 21% in 2015 to 28% in 2016. How are these listeners tuning into these podcasts? 42% of podcasts are consumed on mobile apps, and about 30% on mobile web browsers. It’s no surprise that mobile is the dominant platform being used to stream podcasts. Yet radio stations still haven’t embraced podcasting primarily because they’re so focused on only promoting audio that contributes to their Nielsen ratings.

As podcast listening increases, the likelihood that more drivers will ditch the car radio to listen to their favorite podcast increases as well. What can radio stations do to avoid being replaced by a podcast?

If your station has a mobile app then the battle is already half-way won. To stay relevant, and to maintain your place as one of the 27 apps that smartphone owners use on average, podcasting should definitely be considered as part of your marketing mix. Getting started is easier than you think, too. Determine what your station’s audience is passionate about and start podcasting about that. A good way to generate topics for podcasts is to look through your inbox to see what listeners are asking your station. Check out Jacobs Media’s webinar on How to Launch a Podcast for a great tutorial on how to get started in the podcasting world.

If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement, in Chicago on July 6-8. We’ll be there answering questions.

If you have any questions or concerns about podcasting, or your mobile strategy, give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Podcasting

5 Podcasts You Should Start Listening to Today

By: Vince Kattoula

Podcasting, a once-obscure method of consuming audio, has become a leading medium for distributing audio content, whether for business or personal use.  With hundreds of thousands of podcasts out there, it can be quite intimidating when it comes time to find the next one to listen to.  Since 42% of podcast listening is done on mobile applications, and about 30% on mobile web browsers, we think podcasting and mobile make a great couple.  We have created a list of popular podcasts to help you find and enjoy your next favorite podcast on your mobile device.

5 Podcasts You Should Start Listening to Today:

  1. Radiolab
    Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the podcast focuses on topics of a scientific and philosophical nature.  The show attempts to approach broad, difficult topics such as “time” and “morality” in an accessible and light-hearted manner and with a distinctive audio production style.
  2. Slack Variety Pack
    A podcast about work, and the people and teams who do amazing work together.  In every episode, you’ll find a glorious mix of stories on work and office culture, teamwork, innovation in the workplace, and our modern society.
  3. TWiT – This Week in Tech
    Since 2005, TWiT has provided news, commentary, help, how-to, and perspective on the latest trends in digital tech from seasoned experts and journalists.  Hosted by Leo Laporte, the show features top tech pundits in a roundtable discussion of the latest trends in high tech. 
  4. Useful Science
    This podcast dives deep into scientific research to figure out how the science was done, what was discovered, and how you can use it to improve your life.  “Science is useful, but its usefulness isn't always obvious.”
  5. Dorm Room Tycoon
    Dorm Room Tycoon is a podcast that provides access to interviews with the world's most influential innovators in business, design and technology.  The show is hosted by William Channer, a British designer, founder, and journalist.

If you’re currently involved with podcasting, or looking to get involved, make sure to check out the largest gathering of podcasters in the world at Podcast Movement, in Chicago on July 6-8.  We’ll be there answering questions.

If you have any questions or concerns about podcasting, or your mobile strategy, give us a call at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps Podcasting Radio

Radio Has the Necessary Elements for Success in Podcasting

By: Bob Kernen

You’ve probably noticed the buzz around podcasting lately. You know it’s gone mainstream when the NY Times puts it on the front page of its Sunday business section as it did on May 8. One of the best things about the apps we build here at jācapps is the podcasting feature. It is second only to the stream in popularity.

And the podcasting numbers back that up. Last year 46 million Americans listened to a podcast, and this year that number is expected to hit 57 million, according to Edison Research. What was once a niche has gone mainstream, as evidenced by the 110 million downloads of NPR’s “Serial” podcast last year. But those numbers present some challenges. As the Times article describes, the only currently reliable metric for podcasts is downloads, but that is a pretty rough metric, especially for advertisers who have no idea if their ads in the podcast are even being heard.

But with the numbers and the trend lines headed straight up, it is inevitable that these problems will ultimately be solved. That’s where some of the most innovative players in the space are focused. Companies like Art19 are working out issues of measurement and monetization in some incredibly clever ways. Others, like Clammr, are tackling the issue of content discovery in a universe of as many as 350,000 different podcasts. Of course, long-time podcast players like Libsyn, Blubrry, Midroll (acquired by Scripps last year) and Spreaker, as well as big dogs like Apple and Google are in the space as well. Apple basically invented the concept, and loaned it the name since “podcast” originally referred to the iPod. Google via their Android operating system has had a less consistent relationship, dropping its own podcasting app in 2012 only to reintroduce a podcast directory this year.

What does it all mean? If you want to learn more about the podcasting space and meet lots of people doing it you should think about attending Podcast Movement in Chicago this July.

Radio has many of the elements necessary for success in podcasting:

  • Talent and expertise in audio production
  • Skills and experience in audio storytelling
  • Built in distribution channels (website and mobile app)
  • On-air promotional channel

What all of these tools mean is that your station can create more professional, better produced content than much of the “two guys with a mic” content that is so prevalent in the podcasting world. Be prepared that it may take time to find the program that connects, but the best way to find it is to get as many at-bats as possible. The marginal cost of creating a show is so low, that it pays to try lots of different topics, talent and approaches. You’ll also find that a little production value goes a long way.

And once you’ve produced it, you can use your on-air broadcast to help that new, on-demand content find its audience. So unlike other podcasters who battle each other to connect with Apple’s one (yes, one) employee in charge of deciding who gets promotion on the iTunes Store, you can reach out to your entire audience. And with advertising CPMs of $20 – $100, it’s possible to turn a successful podcast into real revenue.

To learn more about Podcast Movement or your mobile strategy contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.