BROADCASTS.com

Audio is having a moment right now. And it’s no longer just about public radio. Media companies such as the New York Times and Buzzfeed have their own podcasts, too. While podcasting has been around for more than a decade, it’s already had a first boom, bust and now boom again. Podcast networks such as The Nerdist, Maximum Fun, Panoply and Earwolf have made it easier for listeners to find new shows. This new sense of maturity has gotten the attention of advertisers who are hoping to reach the 27 million Americans that listen to podcasts regularly. Those advertisers are paying top dollar to reach listeners. But the success of Radiotopia’s Kickstarter campaigns suggests that podcasts don’t have to rely on advertisers. Slate’s Panoply network not only includes podcasts from other publishers, but it takes a cut in revenues by offering production, distribution and sales support. On this week’s podcast we’ll dive into the new growth of podcasts with Andy Bowers, executive producer of Slate’s Podcasts; Jenna Weiss-Berman, director of audio at Buzzfeed; Aaron Burcell, former VP of marketing at PodShow/Mevio and current VP of growth and product marketing at Vevo; and Andrew Lih at American University. PBS MediaShift’s Mark Glaser will host and Jefferson Yen will be producing.