As many of you know, I attend more than a few conventions and conferences throughout the course of a year. Most of the time, this is a good thing. In spite of a fast-paced schedule, I always learn new things, meet new people, and run into new opportunities at these gatherings.
Since Seth Resler joined the Jacobs Media staff, Podcast Movement has become a fixture on our calendars. Of course, part of the reason is that our company has produced content for this conference, under the banner of “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters.” And our sessions, keynotes, and panels are getting more popular with each passing year.
But as we’ve learned now that we’ve attended Podcast Movement these past several years – there’s a lot of content in the form of sessions, keynotes, and panels. One of the most frequently heard dilemmas is trying to figure out which ones to attend. To that end, Seth wrote “A Plain English Guide To Our ‘Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” Track at Podcast Movement.” It’s an excellent one-stop-shop to get a feel for our agenda during our three day track, complete with a guide on who would benefit from each session.
For radio air talent, podcasting is something of an enigma. This year in our AQ2 talent-on-talent study, we’re learning that about a third of commercial radio air personalities here in the U.S. are trying their hands at podcasting. But still, nearly half say they don’t have the time, while others say they’re clueless about how to produce on-demand audio.
And on one chart is a key reason why we’re producing “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters.” There’s a lot of learning to be done.
Throughout our three days, I’m going to do my best to park myself near the front of the room to take notes while these great sessions are taking place. Every year, I come away inspired and motivated by what I learn from this great conference. And to give you an idea of what’s on my mind, here’s a question I’d like to ask at each of our sessions.
Wednesday, August 14th
9am – KEYNOTE “A Conversation With iHeartMedia’s Conal Byrne”
I can think of no better way to kick of “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” than interviewing the guy just named the #1 most powerful person in
podcasting by Inside Radio. Conal was the CEO of Stuff Works before iHeart bought them last year. He now runs their entire podcast network. Here’s the question:
“What advantage do you have over other broadcasters and podcasters now that you’re linked with iHeartMedia’s 850+ radio stations?”
(Actually, I’ll be able to get this question answered – I’m honored to interview Conal for this important keynote.)
10:15am – “Radio Leaders on their Podcasting Strategies”
This session is moderated by a rock star podccaster – Mignon Fogarty, better known as Grammar Girl. She’s leading the conversation with Phil
Becker (Alpha Media), Chris Duncombe (Corus), Wheeler Morris (Hubbard), and Sheryl Worsley (Bonneville).
“To build or buy: are you focusing more on producing podcasts within your company or are you seeking content externally? And why?”
11:30am – “True Crime: Turning Local Events Into Hit Podcasts”
I’ve been wanting to create this session for two years. True Crime is a huge genre among podcasting topics. We’ve assembled a panel of brilliant producers from commercial media – TV and radio stations – most of who dove into their station archives to produce hit podcasts.
This session is made up of mini-TED Talks presentations Jeremy Allen and Zak Rosen (WDIV-TV, Detroit), Jennifer Guerra (Michigan Radio), Robin Kinnie (Motor City Women), Dalton Main (Boston 25 TV), and Julia Ziegler (WTOP Radio).
“Why has True Crime become an especially popular genre among women?”
1:30pm – “Branded Podcasts: Revenue Opportunities for Radio”
In just the past few months, more and more new ventures have popped up revolving around branded podcasts. Dave Beasing – CEO of Sound That Brands (and co-producer of the “Inside Trader Joe’s” podcast with Amplifi Media’s Steve Goldstein) will moderate this great session. His panelists are Lucas Hendrickson (host of Jack Daniel’s “Around the Barrel” podcast), Andy Kelly (iHeart’s SVP of Brand Innovation), Steve Pratt (Pacific Content), Doug Smith (eBay’s Community Content Manager), and Matty Staudt (President of newly minted Jam Street Media).
“What is the market for branded podcasts and does every brand truly have a story?”
Thursday, August 15th
9am – KEYNOTE “NPR & Audible’s Eric Nuzum: “The Tweet That Could Define Podcasting’s Future”
Eric is one of my favorite speakers. He is authentic, honest, and generous with his comments and observations. With executive roles in podcasting at NPR in the early days, and then Amazon’s Audible, he’s watched the medium come together on some of the biggest stages. Eric always has spot-on observations, and we’re proud to have him as one of our keynoters.
“You’ve launched podcasts for some of the biggest brands in the space. Which podcaster has been most fascinating to work with?”
10:15 – “What Public Radio Knows That You Don’t (About Podcasting)”
Master podcaster Shannon Cason leads an all-star lineup of movers and shakers in public radio – the medium that has clearly led the way in podcasting. He’ll be joined by Joni Deutsch (WFAE/Charlotte), Kerri Hoffman (CEO of PRX and voted the #6 most powerful person in podcasting by Inside Radio), and Natalie Jablonski (American Public Media).
“Why has public radio been better suited for podcasting than commercial radio?”
11:30am – “Real Listener Feedback: Podcast Movement’s First Live Focus Group”
Broadcast radio personalities have been airchecked and evaluated in audience research for decades. But in the podcasting arena, this type of evaluation is virtually non-existent. So, I’m conducting a live, on stage focus group of listeners to “Stacking Benjamin,” a lighthearted podcast about money, produced by Joe Saul-Sehy. This focus group is completely unrehearsed and will be spontaneous and live, providing important feedback for Joe – in front of 200 of his best friends.
“What was I thinking?”
1:30pm – “Raise Your Voice: Smart Speaker Strategy for Podcasts”
In what we believe is a first at Podcast Movement, we’re talking voice. This panel is being moderated by the sage Steve Goldstein, CEO of Amplifi Media. He’ll be joined by Rachel Batish (Audioburst), James Derby (Federated Media), Bret Kinsella (Voicebot.ai), and Will Mayo (Spoken Layer).
“Could voice revolutionize the way consumers discover podcasts?”
2:45pm – “Podcast Makeover: Professional Broadcasters Critique Up-and-Coming Podcasters”
Seth Resler’s “Podcast Makeover” has become a benchmark session at this conference. It’s certainly one of my favorites. We take two fledgling podcasts and live critique them in this session by a group of experts, including Vanessa Echols (anchor and podcaster – WFTV-TV), talent coach extraordinaire Randy Lane, mega personality Tom Leykis, and podcaster Daniel J. Lewis. This group will be analyzing “Beyond the Dollar” and “10,000 Tacos.”
“Why does Tom Leykis wear sunglasses indoors?”
3:45pm – “Popular Music in Podcasts: Here It Comes”
The ongoing conundrum in podcasts – especially in the broadcast radio community – relates to the legal use of music. And we’re about to experience a breakthrough. This panel – moderated by the always charming Paul Jacobs – is comprised of Richard Conlon (SoundExchange), Andrew Harding and Doug Reed (SourceAudio – PodcastMusic.com), Peter Morris (CEO, PodcastOne), and David Oxenford (yes, the lawyer – partner: Wilkinson, Barker Knauer).
“What’s taken so long and when can we start?”
Friday, August 16th
9am – KEYNOTE “A Conversation with MSNBC/NBC’s Steve Lickteig”
OK, full disclosure. I’m excited about this session. Paul gets to interview the guy who’s the executive producer of podcasts and audio for NBC News and MSNBC. What a gig. These networks have been ahead of the curve in the podcasting space, and Steve oversees these productions hosted by well-known anchors like Chris Hayes, and others who have the desire to branch out into on-demand audio.
For any broadcaster with the itch to produce podcasts around their top talent, this is the guy with the best perspective. And I’m hoping Paul will ask Steve this question:
“Should every NBC and MSNBC anchor and host be doing a podcast?”
10am – “Speed Mentoring: Talk Directly with Podcasting’s Leading Experts”
Using the speed dating model (but infinitely less heartbreaking), podcasters and would-be podcasters have the chance to get great advice by the industry’s best and brightest. From producers to hosts to digital execs to attorneys to those who run podcasting companies, we’re hoping to provide mentoring to Podcast Movement and Broadcasters Meet Podcasters attendees. “Speed Mentoring” will be hosted by editor of Radio Ink, Ed Ryan. Our list of mentors include:
- Ayinde Alakoye (nēdl)
- Dave Casper (Radio Advertising Bureau)
- Matt Cundill (Sound Off)
- Elsie Escobar (She Podcasts, The Feed)
- Sunny Gault (Parents On Demand Network)
- Rob Greenless (Libsyn)
- Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting)
- Andréa Jones (@OnlineDrea)
- David Oxenford (Esq.)
- Veena Prashanth (DigitalAccessPass.com)
- Seth Resler (Jacobs Media Strategies)
- Matty Staudt (Jam Street Media)
- Amanda Valentine (Pound This)
I won’t be the one asking questions, but I hope you will.
Our “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” isn’t the only track at Podcast Movement. But I think we’ve got a great line-up of keynotes, sessions, panels, and features like “Podcast Makeover” and our live focus group that should keep you asking questions.
And we’ll do our best to answer them.
See you in Orlando.
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.
- Traveling At The Speed of CES - January 10, 2025
- The One Thing Missing At CES? - January 9, 2025
- AI Your Commercials - January 8, 2025
I wish I could go. .
It’s truly a great conference. We’ll be blogging, etc.