By now, most people in radio have heard about the Podcast Movement conference. Only three years-old, it has rapidly become THE event among podcasters of all stripes. Last year, Jacobs Media connected with Podcast Movement’s founders, Dan Franks and Jared Easley, to bring radio people to Chicago for the conference. And it was a truly successful undertaking.
This year, we’re expanding our relationship by creating an entire track designed just for radio professionals. “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” will be an entire day’s worth of sessions, panels, and speakers to bring these two connected worlds together.
At last year’s conference in Chicago, Dan stopped by our client dinner and spent time with the radio broadcasters we brought with us to the conference. Dan is a CPA who is also an unabashed podcast fan. He is currently the Business Manager at Midroll Media. On the side, he’s the co-founder and co-organizer of Podcast Movement., the world’s largest podcast conference.
In today’s post, Dan Franks offers up his five reasons why Podcast Movement is excited about our partnerships and the radio space. And then I’ll give you my list of five factors that made the idea of Jacobs Media working with the PM team a no-brainer. – FJ
When Podcast Movement was approached about formally partnering with Jacobs Media for our 2017 convention, it was an exciting and important part of the evolution of the event, as well as the industry (in our humble opinion).
We’d been asked dozens of times over the last few years how traditional radio could become more involved in the movement, but we did not have a good answer. Now we do. Here are the top 5 reasons why we’re excited to be connected with the radio industry and the Jacobs team at Podcast Movement this summer in Anaheim:
1) The two industries are connected.
There is so much obvious overlap in what we do in podcasting, and what goes on in more traditional audio distribution platforms such as terrestrial radio. But that small percentage difference is what really has kept the two apart for this long. We see Jacobs, and the track that they’re programming at PM17, as the first step to building that bridge to help connect the two together.
2) Radio will learn about podcasting at PM17.
We see a lot of successful radio professionals get into podcasting, and fail, because what works in a traditional radio setting does not always work for podcasts. We believe the “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” track will help identify these pitfalls, and bring together sessions and panels that will help start reversing this trend!
3) The podcast space is changing fast.
And that’s why it’s hard to keep up with these changes, and keep everyone abreast of them in a meaningful way. At PM17, Jacobs’ track will identify what’s important for broadcasters and podcasters to know in real time, and communicate what attendees need to know today… not just talking about what used to be the case.
4) Broadcasters are passionate but need to sharpen their skills.
I’ve met many in radio who are excited about podcasting and have knowledge of the topics they podcast on, but their lack of formal training holds them back. Having sessions led by broadcast professionals succeeding in the space is key to helping get them over the proverbial “hump.” The Jacobs team understands the struggles and challenges faced by podcasters and broadcasters, and will speak to both sides in a way that benefits everyone.
5) Radio broadcasters love Podcast Movement.
The feedback we get from the broadcasters who have attended in the past is that Podcast Movement is DIFFERENT and FUN! Attendees range from independent, hobbyist podcasters to the top executives from the largest networks and companies in the industry. What other event in the world brings such a diverse group of individuals together, sits them next to each other in the audience or on a panel, and sends them both home after the event feeling like they’ve learned something and are better for it? We hope to see you at PM17.
And now my top 5 reasons why Jacobs Media is partnering with Podcast Movement in Anaheim, and why radio should be engaging with podcasters:
1. Podcast Movement is the preeminent conference in the space.
Seth Resler attended in 2015 and introduced us to Podcast Movement. We were in Chicago in force last year so we could see this event for ourselves. Podcast Movement is a highly spirited convention that brings together podcasters from around the world and diverse backgrounds. The enthusiasm among attendees is much like the vibe at CES. There’s a strong feeling of enthusiasm and optimism for podcasting that radio professionals need to see and take in. We see podcasting has having a huge upside potential for radio, but it’s a learning process. Broadcast radio – especially commercial radio – needs to jump into this space, and PM17 is a great starting point.
2. Time-shifting and customized content are what podcasting is all about.
Even though podcasting has been around for a long time, it may have been the explosion in video on-demand that was the catalyst to remind content creators just how much consumers love to time-shift as well as personalize their media experience. These are key reasons why podcasting is taking flight, but they runs counter to the real-time nature of broadcast radio that has defined the business. It’s important for radio to understand and appreciate the appeal of podcasting, while learning how to create and produce for it. At Podcast Movement this summer, we’ll have an entire track of sessions designed to do just that.
3. Podcasting extends brand content.
It’s not just about repurposing today’s morning show. Podcasting provides stations and personalities with the opportunity to go beyond dayparts and ratings restrictions to create new concepts, explore different topics, and extend brands. A morning guy who’s into extreme sports, a show that wants to explore hot new restaurants in town, or a station that wants to support a festival or event with interviews and extra coverage can all expand their brands and grow their audiences via podcasting.
4. Podcasting can drive revenue.
We’re at that tipping point in radio where commercial load inventories can’t go any higher. And yet pressure to generate more sales continues to mount. Every company is grappling with how to manufacture non-spot revenue. And that’s where podcasting provides the great potential to make it happen. At PM17, we’ll look at podcasting revenue models, and how they can work for radio.
5. Podcasting is like radio…only different.
The crazy dichotomy about podcasting is that it’s just another audio channel. But to say it’s just like radio is a misnomer and misses the point. Yes, podcasting is audio entertainment, but it’s a different breed. And it needs to be understood, appreciated, and valued differently. Radio typically researches every aspect of its station programming, and in that same spirit, there’s a lot broadcasters need to learn about the podcasting space. We’ll be diving into research about podcasting at PM17 to provide data that can help drive and inform smart strategies.
We’re excited to partner with Podcast Movement, and hope you can join us this summer in Anaheim.
Podcast Movement 2017 is set for August 23-25 in Anaheim. Registration information is available here.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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