Ad Results Media Hires R3’s Stein To Accelerate The Future Of Audio

~ jen

Ad Results Media (ARM), a leading audio and podcast media agency working with brands like Molson Coors, BetterHelp, ZipRecruiter and LiquidDeath, is expanding its leadership team with the hire of Craig Stein as SVP of Media Planning, effective immediately. 

Based in New York, Stein will expand ARM’s leadership in working with audio creators, while supporting clients across full-funnel audio strategy, media planning and buying, performance, and measurement as the space continues to grow and attract advertising spend.

Stein joins ARM with over two decades of experience at both independent agencies and global networks, with expertise in full-funnel, omnichannel media strategy and activation for brands like Google, Airbnb, American Express and Unilever. 

For the past four years, he led media pitches, audits and transformational projects at consultancy R3, working with clients including Nike, LEGO and Molson Coors. Previously, he held positions at Wavemaker, Essence, The Media Kitchen, Mindshare, and OMD Worldwide, working with brands across technology, financial services, pharmaceutical & healthcare, travel & hospitality, telecommunication, alcohol & spirits, and consumer packaged goods.

“As the media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented and personalized, ARM has emerged as a leader in harnessing the power and impact of audio and creator marketing,” said Stein. “The foundation ARM has built in this space is not only impressive, it’s distinct — and that’s what excites me so much about the opportunity ahead and for our team to continue to lead in the audio creator economy.”

Stein joins ARM’s leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Jordan Fox.

TED Audio Collective Taps Acast As Ad Sales, Hosting and Distribution Partner

~ jen

Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company announced a new partnership with TED Audio Collective. Under the terms of the deal, Acast is the exclusive ad sales, hosting, and distribution partner for the brand in all regions outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The TED Audio Collective is home to 26 hit podcasts across business, tech, health and wellness, and a variety of other genres. Each year, the network garners 176 million listens globally through popular titles such as TED Talks Daily, How to be a Better Human, TED Business, TED en Español, and more.

“The TED brand is synonymous with excellence and is a known destination for the curious. The addition of the entire TED Audio Collective to Acast brings a massive and highly engaged global audience — and importantly monetizable listens— for advertisers around the world to connect with” said Acast CEO Ross Adams.

According to Podcast Pulse, a recent report from Acast and Dentus with Edison Research, 92% of podcast listeners tune in to podcasts to learn more about specific topics. Additionally, 80% listen to niche podcasts with content made for people with specific interests. Among these niche podcast listeners, 94% have taken action after hearing a podcast ad.

“At TED, we are dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation across our global network,” said Alan Seiffert, Head of Global Business Development at TED. “With Acast’s leading ad tech tools and partnerships, we’re confident that this partnership will help to continue to scale the TED Audio Collective around the world.”

To learn more about the TED Audio Collective and how to begin advertising across these and other Acast podcasts, please contact @acast.com

RadioActive Media Sets Itself Apart With High-Profile Influences Powering Podcast And Radio Campaigns

~ jen

RadioActive Media is redefining the landscape of direct response marketing by tapping into the power of well-known audio influencers to endorse RadioActive Media ensures that it’s clients’s messages resonate with engaged audiences in an authentic, impactful way.

This strategic focus on influencer-driven content sets RadioActive Media apart from traditional marketing firms, offering a level of credibility to reach that few can match. To further amplify this unique approach, RadioActive Media has launched an eye-catching outdoor billboard campaign across Southern California, including Los Angeles and Orange County, highlighting the close relationship with the influential voices behind their campaigns.

“At RadioActive Media, we know that audio marketing to be one of the most effective marketing mediums. In the US, audio reaches more than 271 million people weekly. That’s more than social media and digital media combined! RadioActive Media believe that if we did not put our money where our mouth is, how could prospective clients expect to utilize the medium?” Said Jeff Pollak, Co-Founder of Radioactive Media. “By having icons like Michael Smerconish, Bill Maher, Brian Kilmeade, and Chris Cuomo voice spots for us, we’re not only highlighting our relationships with these influential futures but also reinforcing the tangible impact of the campaigns we create.”

Why RadioActive Media is Different:

Influencer-Driven Campaigns: RadioActive Media partners with some of the most recognized and trusted names in media, including Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Michael Smerconish, Chris Cuomo, Bill Mahar, and Brian Kilmeade. These influential voices, alongside past collaborators like Adam Carolla, Thom Hartmann, Howard Stern and Stephanie Miller, add authenticity and star power to every campaign, ensuring clients receive maximum visibility.

Tailored Advertising Solutions: Unlike one-size-fits-all agencies, we take the time to get to know your business, your goals, and your audience. Our hands-on, customized approach ensures that every campaign is strategically designed to maximize impact and meet your unique needs.

Proven Value & Results: At RadioActive Media, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing, transparent packages, and exceptional value for every advertising dollar spent. Our clients see results — whether that’s increased brand awareness, higher engagement, or improved conversions, we’re committed to making every campaign a success.

Real-Time Collaboration: We go beyond just executing a campaign; we work side-by-side with our clients to ensure that we’re consistently evolving and optimizing the campaign to achieve he best possible results. Our agency’s transparent communication and support ensure that clients feel confident throughout the entire process.

With our new billboards making waves across LA. and O.C., we invite businesses to experience the difference of working with a media firm that delivers results — backed by some of the most influential voices in the industry.

About RadioActive Media

RadioActive Media is a leading name in the media industry, specializing in podcast and radio. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, RadioActive Media strives to help their clients reach their target audiences effectively and efficiently. For more information, visit the website.

AI Audio Studio Wondercraft Launches Automated Ad Personalization In Partnership With Frequency

~ jen

Wondercraft, the world’s first AI-powered creative audio studio, and leading audio management platform Frequency, have announced an integration to let brands and media publishers produce and deploy personalized audio ad campaigns.

This announcement introduces Variations, a new feature in Wondercraft’s creative suite to enable automated creation of ad variations and personalization based on audience data signals. The integration creates the industry’s first seamless workflow from Wondercraft’s creative studio to Frequency’s dynamic campaign deployment, dramatically reducing the time and cost traditionally associated with personalized audio advertising.

The new workflow begins Wondercraft’s studio, where users can write, produce and edit their narrative audio using the AI-powered tools. The new Variations feature then allows users to craft multiple variations by adding alternative copy or using AI to generate hundreds of variations.

These versions can then be seamlessly exported to Frequency’s platform for campaign deployment and optimization, where users can trigger different variations of their ads based on real-time data signals including location, whether, time of day, audience demographics, and more than 35 other data signals. This high level of personalization allows advertisers to deliver personalized creative and relevant messages to their targets audiences, improving engagement and campaign effectiveness.

Oskar Serrander, co-founder at Wondercraft, comments:

“The audio industry is full of creative potential, but creative production and asset coordination for ads and host-reads are holding it back. By partnering with a creative audio production platform like Wondercraft, we are removing these long-standing barriers as we evolve the Frequency audio management platform to more publishers and brands. I believe this partnership marks a monumental shift towards an audio industry that is not only faster and more creative for advertisers and publishers, but smoother for all parties to better manage the day-to-day operation of ad campaigns.”

Pete Jimison, CEO and founder of Frequency, comments:

“As early adopters of both Wondercraft and Frequency, we’ve experienced firsthand how these technologies are revolutionizing audio advertising. This integration marks a major shift in how we serve our clients. It gives us the ability to provide unmatched creative flexibility, precise targeting with dynamic ads, and simplified campaign management. This is cutting-edge technology at its best: advertisers achieve better results, publishers enjoy higher engagement, and listeners receive more relevant ads. It’s the kind of innovation our industry needs.”

This partnership represents another step forward in both companies’ missions to bring millions of new brands and voices into the audio industry by way of creativity and workflow innovation for brands, agencies, and publishers.

The Variations feature is available today for all Wondercraft Enterprise users and can be used with the Frequency Creative Manager.

 

True Native Media Welcomes Angie Trueblood As New Account Executive

~ jen

True Native Media, a leading podcast representation firm, is excited to announce the addition of Angie Trueblood as Account Executive. With a wealth of experience in the podcasting industry, Angie will play a key role in helping True Native Media continue to expand its client offerings foster deeper connections between podcasters and advertisers.

Before joining True Native Media, Angie founded The Podwize Group in 2021, an evolution of her freelance business launched in 2017. Originally created to help connect female business owners with podcast hosts in complementary spaces, The Podwize Group quickly gained a reputation for its ability to balance the needs of podcast guests, hosts, and listeners.

Angie’s expertise and unique approach to guesting led her to expand her business, offering full-service support to entrepreneurs seeking to integrate podcasts into their content marketing and visibility strategies.

As The Podwize Group grew, Angie recognized an opportunity to support clients at a deeper level not only by securing podcast guest appearances but by helping them integrate podcasting as a central component of their marketing strategy. With her comprehensive understanding of the podcast landscape and the need of both business owners and media outlets, Angie’s experience and skills align seamlessly with her new role at True Native Media.

Over the coming weeks, The Podwise Group will evolve into an online education platform, offering training and resources to empower business owners, subject matter experts, and leaders to strategically grow their impact through podcast interviews.

Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Angie spent several years at AstraZeneca, where she worked as an Executive Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. Her experience in sales, client management, and relationship-building, combined with her passion for podcasting, makes her an invaluable addition to the True Native Media team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Angie to True Native Media,” said Heather Osgood, CEO of True Native Media.

“Her vast experience in the podcasting world, along with her unique ability to connect with both clients and media partners, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the podcast advertising space.”

In her role as Account Executive, Angie will work closely with True Native Media’s clients to identify new podcast advertising opportunities and ensure successful partnerships that drive measurable results. She will also help lead the strategic development of content solutions that maximize brand visibility through podcast advertising.

About True Native Media

True Native Media is a leading podcast representation firm dedicated to connecting podcasters with advertisers to create impactful and engaging content. Through innovative advertising solutions, True Native Media enables brands to effectively reach their target audiences in the thriving podcasting ecosystem.

Podcast Hall of Fame Announces New Board of Governor Members

~ jen

The Podcast Hall of Fame, started in 2015, is excited to welcome eight distinguished podcasting and digital media leaders as its new board of governor members.

This new board of governor group includes Todd Cochrane, Dave Jackson, Luria Petucci, Rob Greenlee, Glynn Washington, Danny Peña, Nick Pavlidis, and Gautam Raj Anand, each brining a unique perspective and wealth of experience to the organization.

Their appointments signify a bold step forward for the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com) in partnership with PodfestExpo.com, which continues to honor excellence and creator success stories in podcasting. The Hall of Fame supports sharing valuable success experiences and inspiration with newer creators to fuel the industry’s future growth and expand its global reach.

Most board members are Podcast Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing their remarkable contributions to the media, Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of Podcast Hall of Fame, PodcastHall.com, a 20-year/podcast/radio creator and executive in the podcasting medium, leader the new board, guiding this accomplished team in fostering innovation, supporting creators, and building a solid foundation for the next generation of podcasters.

With an increased focus on international expansion and including, the Hall of Fame is committed to recognizing podcasters worldwide, spotlighting diverse voices, and welcoming inductees who bring unique cultural perspectives to the medium.

The including of global representatives such as as Gautam Raj Anand, a leader in podcasting at Hubhopper.crom across South Asia, emphasizes the Podcast Hall of Fame’s dedication to reaching new audiences and celebrating the global impact of podcasting.

Hall of Fame Eligibility and Induction Criteria

The Podcast Hall of Fame seeks to recognize individuals who have profoundly impacted the podcasting industry. The criteria for entry into the Hall of Fame combine 1) mainstream popularity and peer recognition as 2) excellent podcaster or industry contributor and 3) excellence in the medium, which is positively coupled with historical significance.

Candidates for inclusion should demonstrate contributions in all three categories or be outstanding in one or two categories in such a way that they merit inclusion.

To be eligible, a nominee must have at least five years since their first involvement in podcasting. While longevity is necessary, it is not a qualification in itself; candidates are celebrated for the depth of their influence and contributions to the industry, not merely for the time served.

The induction selection process involves an extensive list of nominations, and all board members and past inductees vote from a comprehensive list of nominees who meet the eligibility criteria. Nominees fall into two groups: 1) primarily podcasters and 2) those wo contribute to building the podcasting medium as a podcaster or not.

New HOF Board of Governor Members

Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry Podcasting and host of Geek News Central podcast, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. A long-time advocate for podcaster rights, Todd has been instrumental in developing industry standards. With a passion for building tools that empower creators, Todd brings invaluable insights to the board on the technical and community-driven aspects of podcasting.

Dave Jackson, Head of Podcasting at the School of Podcasting and PodPage, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2018. Known for his expertise in education and mentorship, Dave has guided countless aspiring creators and is a respected voice in podcast training. His deep understanding of audience engagement and content creation will be invaluable to the board.

Luria Petrucci, co-founder of Live Streaming Pros, is a respected live streaming and video podcasting future who was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022 for her time as host of GeekBriefTV. With over a decade of experience, her expertise in audience building and engaging with communities in real-time brings an essential dimension to the board’s vision of expanding podcasting’s reach across multiple media.

Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com), co-host of the New Media Show, Host of Podcast Tips Show, and 20-year veteran in radio/podcasting, has been a pioneering force in he podcasting space since its earlier days when he started podcasting in Sept. 2004. Former Founding Chairperson/Board Member of The Podcast Academy (Ambies Awards). Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2017, Rob’s experience spans multiple facets of the industry, from content creation to distribution, audience growth, and monetization. His industry knowledge and thought leadership are assets to the Hall of Fame’s mission.

Glynn Washington, creator and host of the critically acclaimed Snap Judgment podcast, brings a fresh perspective to the board. Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022, he is known for his narrative storytelling and focus on diverse perspectives. Glynn’s creative vision and dedication to storytelling add an essential dimension to the Hall of Fame’s mission to amplify diverse voices in podcasting.

Danny Peña, host of Gamertag Radio, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. As a pioneer in gaming podcasts, Danny has built a large, engaged community and is known for his dedication to fostering positive podcasting experiences. His community-centric approach and understanding of audience dynamics make him a valuable addition to the board.

Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest, is known for his community-building and event management expertise. He has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment for podcasters through Podfest. His leadership has helped podcasters connect, learn, and grow, making him a valuable advocate of creators and a respected leader. His commitment to supporting the industry’s development and encouraging new voices will be invaluable to the board.

Gautam Raj Anand, founder of HubHopper, one of India’s leading podcasting platforms, represents the growing global impact of podcasting. As a pioneer in podcasting across South Asia, Gautam’s experience in reaching new audiences internationally will help the Hall of Fame champion podcasting as a global medium.

Platform Media Acquire Majority Stake Of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

~ jen

Platform Media, the next-generation media company, has announced its majority acquisition of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the world’s biggest rugby show.

It follows the company successfully launching the YouTube channels for two of its most popular sports podcast this year, FC Bullard and For The Love of Rugby. YouTube channels are one key strand of Crowd’s wider content marketing offer, as it goes beyond podcast production into video social media strategy, merchandise support, and live show launches.

Crowd’s expanded offer to brands comes as demand for video and social media content grows amongst both podcast followers and brands alike. Video content has already been proven successful for Crowd, generating hundreds of thousands of longform YouTube episodes and tens of millions of views across social media.

As well as launching YouTube Channels for For The Love Of Rugby and FC Bullard, Crowd has also made strides in bringing in multichannel women’s sports content to audiences. Crowd launched the Chelsea women’s team’s We Are Chelsea podcast in March this year, leading the way for women’s sports brands. We Are Chelsea received over a million views across Chelsea’s digital channels just two weeks after launch, with TikTok videos hitting 50 million views over summer.

Crowd now works alongside multiple household names to amplify their exposure across channels such as podcasting, social media and more. This includes Greenpeace’s Oceans: Life Under Water which won the bronze award in the Climate category at the British Podcast Awards in 2024. It’s partnership with big brands are set to grow in 2025 as it eyes new collaborations.

Mike Carr, CEO at Crowd Networks commented: “We’ve seen the market undergo massive change in the last year alone. Audio and even video is no longer the only avenue in podcasting but we’re now seeing a need to provide a 360 approach to working with brands to achieve successful multichannel engagement with audiences.

“This year has been a pivotal one for us. Welcoming big names such as Greenpeace and Chelsea to Crowd Branded, has enabled us to work with some incredible teams, who are keen to tell stories and reach new audiences in a fresh, dynamic way. I’m excited to see how our team continues to expand our branded offering to achieve impactful engagement with fans and audiences.”

Crowd Network Expands Team And Production Services For Brands

~ jen

Crowd Network (Crowd), one of Europe’s fastest growing independent podcast networks, has expanded its capabilities and welcomed two new video producers to its team following the increased demand for video and social content from its audiences and brand partners.

It follows the company’s successfully launching the YouTube channels for two of its most popular sports podcasts this year, FC Bullard and For The Love of Rugby. YouTube channels are one key strand of Crowd’s wider content marketing offer, as it goes beyond podcast production into video, social media strategy, merchandise support, and live show launches.

Crowd’s expanded offer to brands comes as demand for video and social media content grows, amongst both podcast followers and brands alike. Video content has already proven successful for Crowd, generating hundreds of thousands of views of longform YouTube episodes and tens of millions across social media.

As well as launching YouTube channels for For The Love Of Rugby and FC Bullard, Crowd has also made strides in brining in multichannel women’s sports content to audiences. Crowd launched the Chelsea women’s team’s We are Chelsea podcast in March this year, leading the way for women’s sports brands. We Are Chelsea received over a million views across Chelsea’s digital channels just two weeks after launch, with TikTok videos hitting 50 million views over summer.

Crowd now works alongside multiple household names to amplify their exposure across channels such as podcasting, social media and more. This includes Greenpeace’s Oceans: Life Under Water which won the bronze award in the Climate category at the British Podcast Awards in 2024. It’s partnerships with big brands are set to grow in 2025 as it eyes new collaborations.

Mike Carr, CEO at Crowd Network commented: “We’ve seen the market undergo massive change in the last year alone. Audio and even video is no longer the avenue in podcasting but we’re now seeing a need to provide a 360 approach to working with brands to achieve successful multichannel engagement with audiences.

“This year has been a pivotal one for us. Welcoming big names such as Greanpeace and Chelsea to Crowd Branded, has enabled us to work with some incredible teams, who are keen to tell stories and reach new audiences in a fresh, dynamic way. I’m excited to see how our team continues to expand our branded offering to achieve impactful engagement with fans and audiences.” About Quill:

Quill is an industry-leading branded podcast production agency working with some of North America’s largest brands such as Walmart, Yelp, Interac and more, reaching global audiences. Through producing results-oriented, collaborative and experimental content, the company is providing podcast services that fit the needs of every brand. Quill’s overarching mission is to increase brand reach, build new relationships and provide impactful results through compelling stories. Quill is the parent company of CoHost, a podcast analytics and audience insights platform built for brands and agencies.

One-In-Three Americans Report Having Changed Their Opinion On A Topic

~ jen

As brands continue to find ways to compete for share of voice, podcasts have become an increasingly valuable medium for capturing the attention of target audiences, gaining trust, and even changing perceptions of brands or topics.

The 2024 Podcast Marketing Trust Index Report, issued by Quill Inc in partnership with Ipsos, found that one-third (33%) of Americans reported having changed their opinions on a topic discussed in a podcast, with 35% being males and 50% being those ages 18-34. This further illustrates the power of podcasting with just under half (42%) going as far to say they, to some degree, trust podcasts more than traditional forms of media such as TV or newspapers.

The report released today finds that:

IMPACT ON TRUST:

Over half (56%) Americans say the endorsement by the host of the podcast influences their trust in a product or service to some degree, with men (60%) and those aged 18-34 (62%) most likely to be influenced by host endorsements.

Just under half (42%) of Americans say they trust or somewhat trust information presented on podcasts compared to traditional forms of media. Whereas 37% feel about the same toward podcasts as they do traditional forms of media such as TV or newspapers.

Trust in podcasts sponsored by a brand is primarily driven by transparency or clear disclosure of sponsorship (54%), followed by expert guest or a diversity of perspectives (45%)

CONSUMER TRENDS:

Three-in-five Americans listen to podcasts (59%). Among them, one-third discover podcasts through social media (34%), and over one-quarter do so through recommendations from friends (30%) or by searching online (24%).

44% of Americans say they have or have considered purchasing a product or service they heard about on a podcast, with this ages 18-34 having purchased or considered purchasing the most (66%)

“This survey reassures how important trust is for effective storytelling, and the unique power podcasts have to instill trust and influence opinions on critical topics from politics to personal values,” says Fatima Zaidi, founder and CEO of Quill Inc.

“In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, we are committed to showcasing how authentic storytelling can spark meaningful conversations and reshape perspectives on topics and brands, driving real change in how people think and engage with important issues.”

As consumers increasingly seek and value authenticity and transparency, brands need to collaborate with hosts and experts who genuinely care about the brand or topic to move the needle.

About Quill:

Quill is an industry-leading branded podcast production agency working with some of North America’s largest brands such as Walmart, Yelp, Interac and more, reaching global audiences. Through producing results-oriented, collaborative and experimental content, the company is providing podcast services that fit the needs of every brand.

Quill’s overarching mission is to increase brand reach, build new relationships and provide impactful results through compelling stories. Quill is the parent company of CoHost, a podcast analytics and audience insights platform built for brands and agencies.

Spotify Experiences 12% Growth YoY In Video Advertising in the US Market

~ jen

As Spotify further embraces video advertising with its new ad exchange (SAX), the platform has seen an 11% year-over-year growth across all formats, and +12 on video ads in 2024 YTD (January to September). Now, video ads account for 20% of all digital ads for Spotify, according to Guideline, the single source of truth for advertising spend and pricing data, which captures actual agency investment from all agency holding companies and most large independents.

Other findings from the same period in Spotify include:

Other Ad Types Stay Steady: Ad spending on audio ads was up 11% year-over-year, while spending on digital display ads was up 3% year-over-year.

Who Is Investing?:  The top three product categories inviting in Spotify by share of spend were CPG, Technology and Retail. Wellness (+66% YoY), Pharmaceuticals (+54% YoY) and Apparel & Accessories (+38 YoY) increased their investment the most. Automotive ( -21% YoY) decreased their investment the most.

Spotify Leads: Spotify continues to lead the US digital audio market in ad revenue, while growing its market share. It’s biggest competitor’s ad revenue, Pandora, is up +2% in the year-to-date.

Alberto Leyes, Head of Product Strategy at Guideline, said: “Spotify’s SAX exemplifies how publishers are stepping up to provide advertisers with enhanced transparency across multiple types of placements in the programmatic landscape, while reducing costs and elevating control as they cut players from the supply chain.”

About Guideline

Formed in 2020 as a partnership between Scott Knoll, David Hahn, Michael lantosca, and GTCR, Guideline is the world’s most trusted authority for accurate media data and collaborative planning tools to guide your advertising decisions.

With the 2022 acquisitions of Standard Media Index and SQAD, as well as the 2023 acquisition of Mediaocean’s Lumina, the company offers a single source of truth for advertising spend and pricing data that provides unprecedented accuracy and transparency across the media industry as well as a powerful centralized media planning platform that delivers collaboration, efficiency, and analysis across multiple global media teams and agencies in one interface.

To learn more about Guideline, visit guideline.ai. Follow us on LinkedIn.