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Top Radio News
21 Members of Congress Added as LRFA Cosponsors
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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Twenty-one members of the House of Representatives and two senators have added their support to a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), which signals the opposition of members of Congress to any potential legislation that imposes new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay, now has 188 cosponsors in the House and 23 in the Senate.
Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) are the lead cosponsors of the LRFA in the House. Representatives adding their support recently for the resolution in the House are Reps. Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Aaron Bean (R-FL-4), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-2), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28), Andy Harris (R-MD-1), Erin Houchin (R-IN-9), Jim Jordan (R-OH-4), Doug Lamborn (R-CO-5), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY-23), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), Tracey Mann (R-KS-1), Thomas Massie (R-KY-4), Betty McCollum (D-MN-4), Richard McCormick (R-GA-6), Carol Miller (R-WV-1), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Mary Peltola (D-AK-AL), Keith Self (R-TX-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-2).
Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Barrasso (R-WY) are the lead cosponsors of the LRFA in the Senate. Adding their support for the resolution in the Senate is Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
iHM Bans ChatGPT Use to Protect Intellectual Property
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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In an internal iHeartMedia memo sent to staff, Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO and CFO Rich Bressler are warning employees not to use ChatGPT or any other artificial intelligence services on company devices. It also asks that staffers not or submit any company information to AI platforms without permission. The move is an effort to protect the company's intellectual property (IP) from being imported into an AI system.
In the memo, both Pittman and Bressler note that the company will roll out its own "iHeart-specific AI solutions," providing all the benefits of AI while protecting the radio giant's information and intellectual property.
"We want to be smart about how we implement these tools to protect ourselves, our partners, our company's information and our user data. For example, if you're uploading iHeart information to an AI platform (like ChatGPT), it will effectively train that AI so that anyone -- even our competitors -- can use it, including all our competitive, proprietary information."
The memo also stated that iHeart is using AI "in certain areas of the company with great results, and we're excited about expanding that to make everyone's work faster and more interesting, and allow us all to make the best use of our time by freeing us from our more mundane and rote tasks."
Audacy Inks EVP/COO Susan Larkin to New Agreement
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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During its annual meeting of shareholders, Audacy's board of directors renewed one executive's contract while a board member has left the company. Executive VP/COO Susan Larkin has signed a new deal keeping with Audacy through at least May 4, 2026, with automatic one-year extensions thereafter unless either party cancels with prior notice. Larkin will make a base salary of $775,000 in the first year, $800,000 in the second year and $825,000 in the third year, plus performance bonuses.
Additionally, Monique Nelson has exited the board, citing time constraints. As a result of Ms. Nelson's resignation, the board has reduced the number of directors from nine to eight members, and Sean R. Creamer is appointed as a Class A director succeeding Nelson.
Also, at the annual meeting of shareholders, the voters approved the plan for a reverse stock split (between one-for-two and one-for-thirty) to regain compliance with NYSE listing requirements, and David Field, Joe Field and David J. Berkman were elected to three-year terms on the board.
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Texas Radio Hall of Fame Nominations Open June 1
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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Nominations for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame's 2023 Induction Class may be submitted beginning at noon on June 1. The nominations portal will be accessible to voting members at TRHOF.net through Friday, June 30. In the initial phase of the selection process, qualified candidates may be nominated by voting members in good standing, a status that is open to not only broadcasters but their fans, friends and family.
"The TRHOF's Executive Board feels strongly that radio's listening audience, as well as the broadcast professionals involved with the creation and delivery of quality radio, should have a say in this selection process," said Doug Harris, a 2011 Inductee who now serves as the organization's Executive Director. "We've been continually working to refine, streamline, and demystify the nomination and voting process to ensure that we will once again have a group of outstanding broadcasters for consideration by our voting members."
Once nominations have been received, they are presented for consideration and vetting by an internal TRHOF Review Committee, They then work collaboratively to identify up to fifty candidates for consideration by the voting members. Voting in this final phase determines the twenty individuals who will be honored at the TRHOF's Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion Weekend on November 4. This event is staged annually at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX.
Top 25 Podcasts Reach 45% of Weekly Podcast Listeners
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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When advertisers look at the podcasting space, they are met with the reality of a world filled with hundreds of thousands of shows, many of which have loyal audiences. All across the spectrum there are effective podcasts targeting niche audiences that can really pay off for the right advertiser. So, how many shows must one buy to reach the majority of weekly podcast listeners in the U.S.?
If, for instance, one is selling small-batch, high-end whiskey, one can advertise on shows for people who are interested in such. At the other end of the spectrum, one finds mass advertisers who are looking for reach -- trying to get their ad to be consumed by as many people as possible within their target. Think about consumer packaged goods, quick-serve restaurants, the big car companies, and the like.
Since Edison Research began collecting data for Edison Podcast Metrics four years ago, the firm has seen that a relatively small number of 'big hit' shows deliver significant reach against the base of weekly podcast listeners. You can also look at the combined reach of shows by adding the number of listeners between shows and then deducting the listeners to both shows.
So, if you start with the biggest show on Edison Research's list, then add the second biggest show, and so on, how many shows would an advertiser need to buy in order to achieve a reach of half of all weekly podcast listeners? The answer is 44.
The graphic below shows how audience is accumulated as more and more shows are added from the top on down. The Top 10 podcasts (the biggest of hits) combine to reach 35% of all weekly podcast listeners in the U.S. age 13+. As you continue to build reach cumulatively, you can see that the Top 25 podcasts reach 45% of weekly podcast listeners. With only the 25 biggest shows, nearly half of all weekly podcast listeners are accessible.
The audience builds from there, but one has to buy more and more shows to achieve incremental reach. The Top 100 shows reach 60% of the weekly podcast listeners and the Top 500 podcasts yield a reach of 76%. Buying all of the next 500 shows will only obtain another five percentage points of reach, as the Top 1000 podcasts combine to reach 81%.
The remaining 19% of weekly podcast listeners are reached exclusively by smaller shows that rank 1001 or higher, the shows on podcasting's 'long tail.' Note that 19% = 17 million listeners that the top 1,000 podcasts do NOT reach.
Podcasting has become a mainstream medium whose top shows can reach incredible numbers, but reach isn't the only benefit of podcast advertising, nor is it feasible to buy ads on all top 500 shows. More on that topic from Edison Research next week.
Townsquare/Billings Names Stewart as Director of Content
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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Townsquare Media/Billings, MT names Bill "Stu" Stewart as its new Director of Content for its five-station cluster there, effective immediately. He formerly served as PD/morning host of iHeartMedia Country KASH-FM (KASH Country) and CHR KGOT/Anchorage, AK. Stewart will oversee Country KCTR (Cat Country 102.9), AC KKBR (Mix 97.1), Classic Rock KMHK (103.7 The Hawk), Talk KBUL-AM/K277DS (970/103.3) and AC KCHH (Lite FM).
Stewart said, "When I first heard of Yellowstone, I thought I was replacing Kevin Costner in season 6... Turns out even better, it's my return to radio and the county seat of Yellowstone in beautiful Billings, MT."
Audacy Minneapolis Raises Over $80,000 for Be The Match
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 |
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Audacy/Minneapolis has raised over $80,000 for Be The Match, a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization that works daily to save more lives through cellular therapy-including the life of WCCO host Jordana Green. On May 25, the station hosted a live auction with items and experiences provided by WCCO and sourced by air talent, sponsors and partners.
Many items brought more than their actual value, showing WCCO listeners' generosity and willingness to contribute to worthy causes. Items auctioned off included a vacation to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, tickets and field passes to an upcoming Minnesota Golden Gophers football game, a Minnesota Vikings VIP Training Camp experience and more.
"We are so humbled and grateful for our fans' incredible generosity, the amazing financial support from our corporate partners, and the remarkable donation of ideas and time by our personalities," said WCCO Brand Manager Brad Lane. "What a fun day auctioning off priceless, unique experiences for a cause so close and personal to us... in honor of our friend, teammate, and bone-marrow transplant recipient Jordana Green."
"Be The Match is so grateful for the support and partnership of WCCO in this important event that will help more patients access life-saving blood stem cell and marrow transplants," added Be The Match Chief Advancement Officer Joy King and Executive Director of the Be The Match Foundation. "As our organization facilitates a growing number of cell therapies for more patients each year, there is a greater need than ever for funding to support patient assistance grants, research to improve transplant outcomes and efforts to diversify the Be The Match Registry."
Be The Match is a global leader working every day to save lives through bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants, as well as other cellular therapies. Every year, Be The Match connects thousands of patients living with blood cancers or other blood diseases with a matching donor to receive a blood or marrow transplant-and a second chance at life. They also manage the Be The Match Registry, the most diverse registry in the world and includes both adult donors willing to donate to a stranger in need and stored cord blood units.
Be The Match also provides patients and their families one-on-one support, education and guidance throughout the entire transplant journey. As a global leader in research, they also heavily invest in groundbreaking research to improve patient outcomes and advance the future of care.
SBS Reports Q1 Net Revenues Down 9% to $34.5 Million
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) reported first quarter net revenue from continuing operations fell 9% to $34.5 million from $38.03 million in 2022. Operating Expenses grew 5% to $27.73 million from $26.37 million. Station Operating Income (SOI) was down 42% to $6.8 million from $11.65 million. Adjusted OIBDA decreased 57% to $3.39 million from $7.84 million. The company posted a net loss or $2.59 million as compared to a net loss of $1.67 million in the year-ago period.
"Our first quarter results showed a continuation of the growth of our company's national, network and digital revenues as further confirmation of the strength and durability of our audio strategy, and the successful migration of our brand superiority to our various digital platforms," commented Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon. "Our first quarter results were impacted by lower revenues due to the fewer number of live events that were produced in this quarter as compared to first quarter last year."
He added, "We continue to perform exceedingly well in terms of the ratings of our major market stations, as highlighted by the market-leading results of our start-up station in Orlando, as well as our strong showings in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Puerto Rico."
In April, SBS and SBS Houston Licensing (collectively SBS SouthWest), entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire KROI-FM in Houston for $7.5 million from Radio One.
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Superadio Debuts ''Hip Hop @ 50'' Radio Specials
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, Superadio Networks is offering an 8-hour radio special, "Hip Hop @ 50," spotlighting the most influential Hip Hop artists from 1973-2023. Over the past several months members of the radio and record communities voted via votem.com, for 10 artists in 5 categories, (Group, Male MC, Female MC, Duo and DJ) who have been the most influential artists in Hip Hop history.
Co-hosted by Ice Cube, "Hip Hop @ 50" will reveal the top vote getters during a series of 2-hour radio specials, airing on 4 consecutive weekends in June. For more information and affiliation information on "Hip Hop @ 50, The Most Influential Artists in Hip Hop 1973-2023", contact Superadio.
WWO Presents Coverage of 2023 NCAA Women's College WS
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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Westwood One will broadcast every game of the Women's College World Series beginning with the preliminary games on Thursday, June 1, when eight teams will compete in a double elimination format. The two bracket survivors will meet in a best-of-three series beginning on Wednesday, June 7 to determine the NCAA champion. The Women's College World Series will be held at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City for the 26th consecutive time and 33rd time overall.
The broadcast crews for the Women's College World Series will feature Ryan Radtke and Chris Plank as play-by-play announcers; former Oklahoma and Team USA outfielder Destinee Martinez and Hall of Famer Leah (O'Brien) Amico will serve as the analysts. Amico was a three-time WCWS Champion while at Arizona and a three-time U.S. Olympic Softball Gold Medalist. She still holds the NCAA record for highest batting average in a single tournament, hitting .750 in 1994. Taylor Davis will be the field reporter for the best-of-three championship series.
Radio One Key West, Magnum Broadcasting Ink Sales Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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WKEY (Key 93.7)/Key West, FL, owned and operated by Buddy Shula's Radio One Key West, has announced a unique partnership with Michael Stapleford's Magnum Broadcasting in Key West, which owns and operates Keys Talk WPIK (102.5) and WKEZ (96.9), along with WGAY (Party 105.7) to become the station's sales arm. In his role with Shula, Stapleford will have total control of WKEY-FM sales, in Key West and the lower Florida Keys.
"As a part-time resident of Key West, it is difficult for me to operate with a "boots on the ground" type sales role, so I am thrilled to have tapped Michael to be the official sales arm of WKEY 93.7 effective immediately," said Shula. "There are few broadcasters that I respect more than Michael Stapleford. Not only does he know all aspects of radio, but he is a stellar person. I could not be happier to be working with and learning from Mike and his decades of radio ownership."
Stapleford added, "My wife Diana, who is our Vice President of Corporate Operations, and me are excited about this opportunity to combine the sales of our two Key West stations, with Buddy's WKEY-FM. We all share the same passion for radio, and I truly believe this will give Key West radio advertisers a larger choice regarding ideas, demographics, geography and most importantly, results. We look forward to giving our current clients, and new advertisers the options of three great radio stations in Key West."
iHeartPodcasts Launches ''Queen Havoc and Her Murder Cult''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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iHeartPodcasts and School Of Humans introduce "Queen Havoc and Her Murder Cult," a new true crime podcast hosted by filmmaker Kurt Kubicek. The 10-part narrative series follows the mayhem caused by the woman known as the Charles Manson of South Africa. The cult leader Cecilia Steyn and her devotees in Electus Per Deus (Chosen by God) murdered 11 innocent people over the course of four years.
Listeners can follow along as Kubicek travels to Krugersdorp, South Africa: the mining town just west of Johannesburg that was terrorized by these brutal serial killings. He peels back this twisted story to reveal exploitation of belief systems, leveraging the occult as a scapegoat for murder, and how repeated abuse and fear can push seemingly normal people to unspeakable violence.
The first two episodes of "Queen Havoc and Her Murder Cult" are now available with new episodes launching every Tuesday.
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NABLF Announces Host and Musical Performer for CSA Awards
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced award-winning ABC News broadcaster Gio Benitez as the host of the 2023 Celebration of Service to America Awards. The ceremony, which honors broadcasters for their outstanding commitment to public service, will be held in Washington, DC on June 6 at The Anthem.
Benitez co-anchors "Good Morning America" Saturday and Sunday and serves as ABC News' transportation correspondent. He covered stories such as the Pulse nightclub shooting, El Chapo's underground escape from a Mexican prison and the Boston Marathon bombing.
Prior to his tenure at ABC, Benitez was a reporter and investigative producer at WFOR-TV in Miami. In June 2009, Benitez became the first-ever reporter to shoot a TV story entirely on an iPhone. After devastating earthquakes hit Haiti in 2010, Benitez traveled to the country to cover relief efforts. His return flight to Miami turned into a rescue mission as he traveled with injured Haitian evacuees.
Musical guest Nelson Cade III will perform during the ceremony and sing the National Anthem. Cade competed on NBC's "The Voice" and was a finalist on John Legend's team. He has completed two nationwide tours and has written music for Mary J. Blige and Bailey Coats.
NABLF previously announced station and broadcast group Celebration of Service to America Award winners, as well as the Corporate Leadership Award recipient, JP Morgan Chase.
BRN's Byron Tyler Wins 2023 NRB Radio Impact Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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Byron Tyler, Program Director for Bott Radio Network's WCRV/Memphis was honored with the 2023 Radio Impact Award by National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) for his hosting of the program Mid-South Viewpoint, at the organization's annual convention in Orlando. The award is given by the NRB -- the world's largest association of Christian communicators -- to those in the NRB family who show excellence and effectiveness in sharing the Gospel and advancing the field of Christian communications.
Mid-South Viewpoint has been airing on WCRV in Memphis, TN, since 1986. It's the only radio interview program in Memphis with an emphasis on area ministry leaders having an impact for Christ in the Mid-South region. It has been hosted by Byron Tyler since 2002, and is having an impression on the Memphis community because of the importance of the content, the energy of the interviewer and the quality of the program.
WQQK/Nashville Presents Free ''Family Day in the Park''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
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Heritage Urban AC WQQK-FM (92Q)/Nashville will present "Family Day In the Park" on Saturday, June 3 at Hadley Park in the heart of historic North Nashville. Stationed between Fisk University and Tennessee State University, two historically African American institutions, "Family Day in the Park" at Hadley Park honors those who deserve it the most -- families. This will be a free event open to the public and will occur from 2-6pm CT.
Attendees will enjoy live music from local artists, and "Cupid Shuffle" superstar Cupid will perform his hit as 92Q will attempt Tennessee's largest Cupid Shuffle dance ever. Additional outdoor entertainment will include inflatables, free hot dogs, and game stations for kids, plus "Rolling Video Games," the only mobile video game truck in Nashville.
Just Play Entertainment, home of "Hip-Hop Charades," will have a children's obstacle course onsite where one grand prize-winning kid will take home a brand-new Oculus Quest 2 Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset. For the adults, the highly anticipated city-wide Spades Tournament has secured over 100 entries. One grand prize team will win $500, bragging rights, and the notorious Spades tournament trophy. 92Q will welcome over a dozen food trucks and double the amount of business vendors compared to 2022.
92Q will also present the inaugural "Kwame L. Lillard Community Service Award" at "Family Day in the Park" this year, with award-winning Nashville-based journalist Vicki Yates as the first recipient.
Cumulus Vice President of Urban Programming Kenny Smoov said, "Kwame Lillard lived his life with an energy that is also a key part of what makes 92Q special - A keen awareness of community. He understood the importance of the community working together and striving to build upon what our ancestors left us. This award will be given yearly to a person who strives to make our community stronger, better, and leaves a positive legacy for the next generation."
WQQK-FM, WSM-FM and WKDF-FM Director of Promotions and Marketing Krista Hayes added, "Family Day in the Park's purpose is to strengthen the place we call home and help promote family values, healthy environmental outlets, and pride here in our city. We're so thrilled to bring this event back and support small businesses, plus we have some huge surprises for our attendees this year."
Paragon Media Strategies Welcomes Bob Waugh as Consultant
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 29, 2023 |
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Paragon welcomes Bob Waugh as the latest addition to its consulting team. He'll work with Paragon's Triple A consulting and research radio station clients out of Annapolis, MD. Waugh's 43-year radio career began at WLIR on Long Island in 1978. In 1985, he moved to K-Rock in New York. In 1991, Waugh joined Washington, DC's WHFS, where he became Music Director and Assistant Program Director and producer of the HFStival. He signed on WRNR in Annapolis as Music Director in 2004 and was Program Director until the station was sold earlier this year.
Paragon CEO Mike Henry commented, "I've admired Bob's work for decades since we both started in progressive rock radio in the late 1970s. His path is legendary, from WLIR to K-Rock to WHFS to WRNR. Bob brings decades of hands-on programming experience and a well-earned reputation as an industry leader to Paragon."
Waugh added, "I felt like I'd accomplished a lot over 40+ years, and the time came to hang up the headphones, but I knew I still had much to offer, so I was just waiting for an opportunity that would truly excite me. I have a ton of respect for Mike Henry and the tremendous impact Paragon has had in the industry, Triple A radio in particular. I am absolutely thrilled to join his team, and could not have hoped for a more exciting kick-start than the chance to help KPNW Seattle establish itself in a market that has been the epicenter of music innovation."
87% of U.S. Podcast Marketers More Than Double ROI
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 25, 2023 |
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Acast released new research on the effectiveness of podcasting for return on ad spend among U.S. marketers. According to the study, which surveyed marketers who have spent on multiple podcast campaigns before, podcasts deliver a high return on ad spend, with more than two-thirds (67%) of U.S. marketers saying for every dollar spent on podcasts they see a $2 to $6 return. An additional 20% of U.S. marketers said that for every dollar spent on podcasts, they see a return of $6 or more -- the most of any other tested medium.
With this strong return, U.S. marketers are also increasing their investments in the space. According to the research, 68% of U.S. marketers said that their second campaign had a higher budget than their first podcast advertising campaign. In fact, marketers in this study were 34 times more likely to say they had increased their budgets from the first campaign to the second, indicating the overall effectiveness of the medium.
"There may have never been a more crucial time than now for marketers to deliver the highest possible return on every dollar they spend. Our research proves that advertisers understand the value of podcasting for return on ad spend, but it also shows that there is still a knowledge gap in the market for how to buy podcast ads most effectively," said Acast Group Business Director of National Performance Gabriella Gregoris. "There is a myth in our industry that successful media buys happen at the show level, when in fact, it's the marketers who invest in podcast audiences' interests and behaviors who see the strongest returns on their investments. Acast offers the most precise targeting and comprehensive planning capabilities to increase those profit margins."
Acast research shows that more than half (51%) of U.S. marketers believe that investing in large podcasts delivers the best return on ad spend. However, podcast listeners on small-sized shows were 90% more likely to welcome more ads on the podcast and 29% more likely to say ads on the podcast were very influential than listeners of large-sized podcasts, according to research from Acast earlier this year.
When it comes to reaching these audiences, U.S. marketers agree that first party data targeting is the most effective approach. In fact, in this study, U.S. marketers were most likely to say that first party data targeting had the highest return on ad spend than any other tested form of targeting. Additionally, more than one-third (34%) of U.S. marketers said that contextually-based targeting solutions would deliver return on ad spend in both the $2-$4 range as well as the $4-$6 range.
Additionally, according to Acast's findings, nearly two-thirds (63%) of U.S. podcast marketers said that based on performance, podcasts deserved 7% to 14% of total marketing spend. Looking at the total digital advertising market valuation from 2022, this accounts for $17.4 billion -- $34.8 billion of ad spend that experienced U.S. podcast marketers believe should be allocated to podcasting, indicating both the effectiveness and strong growth potential of the medium.
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