New Media Show Todd Cochrane & Rob Greenlee

In this episode of the podcast hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, the focus was primarily on Spotify’s recent implementation of video on their platform and the ramifications for podcast RSS feeds. The episode begins with a scheduling update, then delves into the main topic regarding Spotify’s new capability to replace audio files from RSS feeds with a video file for podcasts on their platform, sparking industry controversy.

Rob initiated the discussion, pointing out that Spotify’s change is similar to what YouTube has been doing with audio files, though Spotify’s impact on podcast distribution and monetization could be significantly different. Rob described Spotify’s history of not fully trusting the bandwidth and performance of smaller hosting services. This led to them caching and serving episodes independently to ensure performance quality, bypassing the hosted podcast’s direct feed. This historic move, he notes, sets a precedent for the current video implementation.

Todd emphasized the serious implications for podcasters, describing Spotify’s actions as detrimental and referring to them as an “abomination.” He stressed that this change could disrupt podcast analytics and monetization, primarily because the changes could prevent podcast hosts from reporting accurate download and engagement data if Spotify serves the video files instead. Todd also proposes that this could fundamentally alter how ads are served and monetized, especially concerning dynamically inserted ads.

Both hosts then discussed the broader implications of this move by Spotify, touching on how it could drive a wider adoption of video podcasts even though there’s apparent hesitance among some podcast creators about moving into video. They also explore the larger industry perspective, questioning whether the industry’s response to video content is adequate and if more could be done to integrate video into podcasting without losing the essence of what podcasts traditionally offer.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob revisit the core issue of how Spotify’s changes challenge the open nature of podcasting via RSS feeds and express concerns about the future of podcast hosting and distribution if such platforms continue to make unilateral decisions that could potentially harm the openness and accessibility of podcasts.

The episode concluded with both agreeing on the potential need for podcasters to educate themselves about these developments and consider carefully how they host and distribute their content in light of these changing dynamics in the podcast industry. They implore podcast creators to weigh the benefits of platforms like Spotify against the potential loss of control over their content and audience connection.

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New Media Productions

365 N Willowbrook Rd

Suite: C

Coldwater, Mi, 49036

In this episode titled “From Studio Eviction to Industry Speculation: A Podcasting Journey,” Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss their personal experiences and broader developments in the podcasting industry.

The episode starts with Cochrane recounting his recent studio eviction, describing the frantic move he was forced to organize over a holiday weekend. He details the sudden termination of his lease and the logistics of relocating his studio’s equipment into storage and a makeshift setup in his loft. He contemplates potential challenges, like acoustics and bandwidth, that he might face while setting up a new studio in his loft.

Next, the conversation shifts to Greenlee touching on recent trends and rumors swirling within the podcasting space. The hosts speculate about potential acquisitions in the podcast-hosting arena, mentioning companies like Libsyn, ACast, and Buzzsprout. They also discuss the global footprint of various podcasting platforms and the strategic business maneuvers these entities might prepare for.

Cochrane and Greenlee continue to explore the technical side of podcasting, expressing concerns over the underdevelopment of certain features in popular platforms and the efficacy of upcoming AI integration in video and audio modifications. They deliberate on the ethics and disclosure necessary when AI alters content, comparing it to traditional editing techniques.

Towards the latter part of the episode, the discussion veers into the implications of podcast metrics and listener behaviors, especially concerning ad load and audience retention. Both hosts emphasize the need for transparency and accurate reporting in podcast analytics to maintain trust and deliver value to creators and advertisers.

The episode wraps up with a look at the evolving nature of podcast consumption, noting a trend toward communal listening experiences, such as families listening together at home or during car rides. The hosts reflect on how these shifting patterns might impact future content creation and audience engagement strategies.

Throughout the episode, Cochrane and Greenlee share their personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing a comprehensive overview of current challenges and opportunities within the podcasting industry, underscored by Cochrane’s immediate challenge of rebuilding his studio and adapting to new realities.

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New Media Productions

365 N Willowbrook Rd

Suite: C

Coldwater, Mi, 49036

In this episode of the New Media Show, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee delve deep into various facets of the podcasting world. Their discussion started with Todd sharing his travel experiences to and from the Philippines, where he attended Podfest Asia.

Discussing the state of podcasting in Asia, starting with Spotify’s significant influence in the region. Todd highlighted the disparity between Spotify’s support for podcasters in Asia and Apple, noting that Apple has lost considerable market presence due to its limited engagement and support.

The conversation also covered the financial aspects of podcasting, particularly around local sponsorship and global advertising revenues in the Philippines. Todd shared insights from his interactions at Podfest, discussing the scarcity of local sponsors and the reliance on global advertisers who target top-tier shows via well-known hosting providers. This led to a broader discussion of potential growth and development within the Asian podcasting market, including creating content networks and using podcast editing services in the Philippines.

Todd and Rob also discussed the various challenges faced in these markets, such as the dominant preference for Android over Apple, which affords Spotify an edge due to its accessibility on Android devices. They dove into the specifics of mobile data usage in the region, discussing the economic and accessibility factors that favor Spotify over other platforms like Apple, which hasn’t yet offered a native podcasting app on Android.

They discussed the report of 1.9 billion in ad sales and the challenges coming in discovery. See everyone in three weeks as we are both traveling.

In this episode of the podcast featuring hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, they delve into a comprehensive discussion on podcasting, focusing on the viability and reality of video podcasting.

The episode begins with Todd updating listeners on his business-related travel plans, which include attending Podfest Asia. Rob and Todd then shift the conversation to the state of podcasting events. They discuss the expected attendance at various podcasting events, including an Asian conference and the larger Podcast Show in London. They provide insights into the logistical challenges and benefits of these events, including the impact of ticket sales strategies on attendee counts.

Much of the discussion centers around the role and influence of video in podcasting. The hosts delve into the misconceptions and hype surrounding video podcasting, emphasizing the challenges and realities versus the expectations set by platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Todd shares his concerns about the lack of support for open RSS in video distribution on significant platforms and stresses the need for a broader video strategy beyond just YouTube.

The conversation also covers the practical aspects of managing a podcast, such as the importance of proper session titles and handling logistics at podcasting events. Todd explains his approach to giving talks at these events, which include providing realistic expectations and debunking myths about video podcasting.

Both hosts engage in a detailed analysis of the industry’s evolution, particularly regarding sponsorships, the integration of video content, and the potential future of podcasting as it integrates more fully with digital media strategies.

The episode is rich with insights into the technical, logistical, and strategic aspects of podcasting, offering listeners an in-depth look at what it takes to run a podcast in the current media landscape. The hosts’ expertise provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the inner workings and future potential of podcasting, particularly in relation to video content.

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New Media Productions

365 N Willowbrook Rd

Suite: C

Coldwater, Mi, 49036

In this episode of the New Media Show, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee dive deep into the significant news of Spotify, Megaphone, Chartabe, and Podbean pulling out from the IAB podcast measurement compliance. They discuss the various implications and reasons for these decisions, what they mean for the podcasting industry, particularly in advertising standards, and the broader consequences for podcast creators.

The episode begins with Todd discussing feeling overwhelmed with work demands, contemplating hiring an assistant, and the difficulty of finding someone who can handle the specialized tasks related to podcasting.

The conversation then shifts to the main topic: the departure of Spotify and Podbean from IAB certification compliance. They first examine the impact on Spotify, with Todd acknowledging Spotify’s significant internal metrics due to its app-based system allowing detailed listener tracking. Despite Spotify’s data advantages, Todd discusses the necessity and cost of IAB compliance, especially with changes to membership tier pricing affecting the company’s expenses.

Rob weighs in on the issue, surfacing concerns about the potential adverse effects that the removal of certification might bring about over time. However, he also notes that Spotify’s financial situation possibly contributed to their decision. The hosts delve into the nuances of IAB certification costs, compliance, and how these factors influence their decisions as service providers, drawing on personal experience and insights from the industry.

Todd shares news about Blubrry’s partnership with BackBeat Media for host-read advertising, emphasizing the importance of maintaining IAB certification to fulfill this partnership’s reporting and trust requirements for advertisers.

Rob plans to invite a CEO from the brand safety industry on the show to discuss these issues further, something they’re wary of due to its potential implications on content censorship.

They reflect on in-person studio trends and the movement towards more video content creation, balancing skepticism with acknowledgment of the potential personalization and authenticity such setups might offer specific high-profile creators.

As the episode progresses, they discuss the strategic importance of not putting all content into one platform’s basket, citing several instances where reliance on a single platform like Google or YouTube has proven risky for content creators.

Rob updates the upcoming New Media Show schedule, noting that he will be out of town for specific dates, and Todd shares his travel plans to the Philippines and the UK, making it necessary to shuffle their broadcast schedule.

The episode concludes with the hosts touching upon platforms such as TikTok’s tenuous status amidst government regulations, the importance of free speech, and the preservation of open RSS as a channel for independent creators to share their content without restrictions.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show via email, and Todd hints at developing a new mailing list for the show. They thank their audience and close with a reminder to follow or subscribe to the New Media Show on favored podcast apps, highlighting newer platforms featured at podcastapps.com.

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New Media Productions

365 N Willowbrook Rd

Suite: C

Coldwater, Mi, 49036

This episode of the New Media Show, hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, delves into various aspects of new media, particularly the integration and impact of video with traditional podcasting audio media.

The conversation opens with Todd Cochrane welcoming listeners to the show and introducing his co-host, Rob Greenlee. They further discussed their involvement in recent media industry events, with Rob Greenlee recounting his experience at the Las Vegas National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) event. He mentions various aspects, like the Creators Lab and facilitating discussions about editing trends and AI integration in media production.

Todd Cochrane shifts the discussion towards technology advancements presented at NAB, prompting Rob to illustrate the shift towards genuine content production in video media, as content creator Mr. Beast suggested. They comment on changes in production styles and audience engagement strategies.

Later, Todd expresses his skepticism regarding podcasters transitioning to video, emphasizing the challenge of achieving success in this medium compared to audio podcasting. However, Rob suggests that the current trend demands a video-first strategy and that not embracing it might be risking growth opportunities. Nonetheless, they agree on the importance of being strategic about including video.

The hosts then touch upon the business aspects of content creation, with Todd sharing a conversation with a podcast producer concerned about the high costs of producing a branded podcast. This leads to a broader discussion about the economics of podcasting, brand deals, and platforms imposing restrictive conditions on content, and eventually transitions to talk about the importance of open RSS feeds and protecting free speech in podcasting.

Rob later introduces a new topic detailing the growth of platforms offering premium memberships for content creators, using ‘UScreen’ as an example. Todd is critical of the service’s pricing model and the cost implications for creators who monetize their content.

Wrapping up, Todd and Rob delve into the controversial topic of brand safety and suitability in the media and the potential negative implications such measures could entail for content creators. They debate issues like self-censorship, freedom of expression, and the impact of algorithmic content moderation. They briefly explore the differences between the agency and platform levels of content control and foreshadow an in-depth future discussion on this subject matter with industry experts on brand safety.

The show concludes after a two-hour conversation, encompassing many themes around the new media landscape, video and audio content convergence, the future of content monetization, and the enduring significance of protecting free and open platforms for podcast creators and consumers.

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New Media Productions

365 N Willowbrook Rd

Suite: C

Coldwater, Mi, 49036