Jeff Vidler’s company Audience Insights teamed up with Jeff Ulster and conducted a deep dive n podcasting. The study was commissioned by the Globe & Mail. The study’s goal is to help podcasters develop content strategy, increase opportunities for monetization and create a road map for growing a young and diverse new audience. There were questions about the types of podcasts consumed, where they listen to them, demographics, and the most interesting stat – when they started consuming podcasts. I’ll spoil it now – 74% of respondents said it was within the last 3 years, and 41% in the last year. Numbers like that speak volumes to podcasting’s ascension. "Podcast listeners show an appetite to hear more Canadian produced podcasts. Nearly half of all Canadian podcast listeners say they would like more about what Canadian podcasts are available. Four of the Top 10 podcasts listened to in the past month are Canadian." You can download the podcast study here: The Topline Report Here: Jeff will be appeared at the OAB Conference and offering insights on Generation X. This is an ample opportunity to take about the generation sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials. Now that they make up the 35-54 demographic, if they aren’t catered to now – they never will be.

Seth Resler returns to our podcast this week to talk about his new podcast, The D-Brief. He has been working on launching the project for a number of months and Seth is using his radio experience to create a podcast that is tailored local, now, and happening. Much like the launch of any great project, it has its own sizzle reel that speaks to Detroit's resurgence. The journey to Detroit started when he was hired by Jacob's Media to be their digital dot connector. He wasn't keen on moving to Detroit but he slowly became immersed into the city's rejuvenation. Seth tried his hand at stand up comedy and found himself amongst the company of comedians including Pontiac native Mike Geeter. They collaborated to on a 10 episode venture called the Detroit vs. Detroiters Podcast where Detroit comedians take on Comedy Central's new show, Detroiters. The podcast has been renewed for a second season, along with the show. I am not sure if it is fair to say that the D-Brief is a spin off, but it is a project that has come together after a lot of forethought and rehearsals. The podcast has launched avoiding many of the mistakes performers make in the initial phase: Lack of role definition and digital strategy come to mind. In this episode, you'll hear what preparation goes into the launch of a new podcast, as well as insight into what you need to consider before going forward with your podcast. Other things we touched on and promised you links to: The Interview with talent coach Steve Reynolds from the World Wide Radio Summit podcast. interview. Seth's Digital Plan for Launching a Morning Show Seth's Co-host by the way is Michael Geeter; he has his own website. Seth's column "Broadcaster Meet Podcaster" column sappears on AllAccess.com Other Podcasts Seth is involved in: Worldwide Radio Summit Podcast Detroit vs. Detroiters Podcast The D Brief Podcast Audiences are not what they used to be. There is more choice, more fragmentation and pretty much more of everything than ever before. Traditional ways of thinking are being challenged. New platforms and technologies are emerging and merging, and buckets of data are being produced. How do you go beyond the data to something you can actually use? How do you make sense of it all? How do you get out of the weeds to focus on the big picture? Well, NLOGIC, the sponsors of this podcast, can help. They offer strategic insights, customizable modern products, market perspectives and their personal commitment to help you make sense of your Canadian radio and television audiences. ultimately, they can help you grow your business. Talk to NLogic today and be better positioned for tomorrow. This week, I made a voice acting appearance on one of my favourite podcasts, Writing Class Radio. One of the things I encourage broadcasters to do is write: Better writers make better broadcasters! Each week, Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer conduct a writing class and share tips on powerful writing. They encourage students to open up emotionally to increase the power of their written word. They are available through their website for corporate sessions and can even help your college kid write better papers. And I'll give myself a plug too - if you need a voice for your corporate video, narration, commercial or written work, a full site of demos is here. #detroit #resler

This week, some changes around the studio. I installed a new computer and rebuilt the studio in hopes of increasing the flow of audio out of the company. Without giving away too much, you might say we are making room for baby. (It's actually another podcast... and I thought I should clarify that before someone called my mother to congratulate her on being a grandmother) This week, I answer a number of podcast related questions including: How long should a podcast be? Can I make Money podcasting? There is also whole lot of research being released about podcasting. The most recent is always available from Jeff Vidler at Audience Insights. Other useful resources: Jacob''s Media did a webinar on what they learned about Podcasting in their TechSurvey 13. As well this handy infographic from Amplifi Media that was used with research from Edison Research and Triton Media. This article by Steven Goldstein of Amplifi Media was also very insightful. I also talk a little about about editing a podcast and why I decided to hold back two stories that didn't air in our original episodes. The story of how Charles Adler almost became Terry Dimonte's co-host at CHOM 97.7 in Montreal in the late 80's is fascinating. Terry would wind up teaming with Ted Bird, but without a doubt, Dimonte and Adler would have been as legendary a combination. We also reached back with Broadway Bill Lee who recalled a story in the days after WCBS-FM went back in the air after the infamous Jack-FM blunder. Station management were airing New York Giants football games, which caused a decline in ratings. While some music driven stations like WBCN in Boston and KCFX in Kansas City have woven their teams into the fabric of their stations, New York City is just too large and eclectic for a station like WCBS-FM to air the Giants. Congratulations to Amanda Logan on the launch of her new website. Amanda is the imaging voice on a growing number radio stations. You can reach her through the contact portion of her page. Need a male voice? Evan Surminski our producer is also available. I also think I am pretty good. The link is also in the menu bar at the top of the page. Narrations, voice acting, e-learning. In this second golden age of audio - there are more needs for quality voices than ever before. #podcast #adler #wcbs

I met Sheri Lynch at the Podcast Movement last August in Anaheim. We were speaking on a Panel entitled, "Radio's Podcasting All Stars Share Their Secrets". She might have made me look good twice during the session. The next day, while wandering the lobby bidding farewell to fellow broadcast and podcasters, I spotted her in the lobby. We ended up spending a solid hour talking about radio, what ails it, how to make it better, and how to survive in it. As we parted ways, we promised that we would pick up the conversation again on my podcast. Yada yada yada, here we are! Sheri Lynch is an award-winning broadcaster originally from Philadelphia. She co-hosts the syndicated Bob & Sheri show, famous in 40-plus markets in the US, and around the world on the Armed Forces Radio Network. She is the author of two best-selling books and has a master's degree in social work. In this episode, you'll hear Sheri talk about the perils of PPM, the importance of being authentic, and negotiating one's professional future in a digital world. Whether you are in management or a talent: do yourself a favour and take notes. Click here to browse Sheri's growing collection of books that you can browse here! Sheri is also a supporter in the search for a cure to Angleman Syndrome. You can donate through the website or via Sheri's Facebook Page. Also mentioned on the show this week: The Bob & Sheri Homepage Bob & Sheri Podcast Bob & Sheri's Oddcast Gregr's Podcast from 107.7 The End in Seattle Mike Carruthers' Podcast - Something you Should Know #charlotte #bobandsheri

When the NFL made the decision to sell their traditional Sunday Ticket package to British based DAZN, it raised a few eye-brows and sent people scrambling to figure out how it all works. Well 5 weeks into the NFL season, it turns out that it doesn't work. My first thought was that it's going to be a buffering nightmare. This is Canada: (1) Home to the most expensive and worst cell phone coverage and service on the planet. Where dropouts and dead zones are the normal on all carriers. (2) Internet providers have data caps and even a the deluxe internet of 150 mpbs, it still results in a fuzzy picture. (3) If you live in a rural area - forget it. Inversely, Canada is well cabled. We needed to be to get American television in the 70's; it was a upgrade from bunny ears. While I always admired those who could cut their cable, I was skeptical giving that live sports is not ready to be streamed yet. The DAZN attempt has proven that. In this episode, I share my thoughts and speak with Sean Meade, who is a Seattle Seahawks fan who started the @DAZNSucks Twitter account in the days after the start of the season. He shares his experiences and what needs to happen before he deactivates the account. More importantly, I try to answer the bigger questions: How does this happen and what is the lesson for broadcasters? This episode is brought to you by PromoSuite Next. For over 25 years you've known PromoSuite as radio's original promotions management system. Helping promotions teams and programmers manage their contest winners, liners, sales, requests, remotes, prize fulfilment, and much more. Today over 2,500 radio stations across the United States and Canada use PromoSuite Next. At the time of the release of this podcast - DAZN made the following announcement: TORONTO, OCTOBER 10, 2017 Live sports streaming service DAZN has appointed Paulo Senra as Head of PR in Canada. The move comes as DAZN looks to expand its local team having recently launched its first market in North America. In his role, Senra will play a key part in the establishment of DAZN as one of the leading sports providers in the Canadian market. He will work closely with the DAZN marketing and PR teams across the globe as the company adds new and exciting content, develops the product and continues to grow its presence. His role will be based out of Toronto in a team headed up by Marketing Director Nick Fowden. Senra has extensive experience in the PR and communications industry from his time as Director of Communications at the Canadian Football League (CFL). He joins DAZN after two and a half years at the CFL, where he worked on the delivery of major announcements as well as helping their communications reach new, diverse and growing audiences. He has also previously worked for the Canadian Olympic Committee as well as holding several positions in political communications. Following Senra’s appointment, Marketing Director Nick Fowden said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Paulo to DAZN. The passion, knowledge and experience Paulo brings to the table will be invaluable as we look to establish ourselves in the Canadian market.” Speaking after his appointment, Senra said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at DAZN, and to be at the forefront, shaping the future of sports viewing in Canada. Despite our diverse communities, we as Canadians all share an incredible passion for sport. I’m excited to continue to tell the stories that inspire and unite us all in new industry-leading ways.” DAZN offers unparalleled access to the NFL, including every live NFL game including preseason, regular season, the playoffs and the Super Bowl as well as exclusive access to NFL RedZone. In addition to its NFL coverage, DAZN offers an array of other sporting events including La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, KHL Hockey, WTA, and FIBA on a wide range of connected devices, including Smart TVs, tablets, smartphones and games consoles. #dazn #nfl

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Sonic 102.9’s night host, Lauren Hunter. Lauren was born and raised in Edmonton, and like any true Edmontonian, loves Connor McDavid. She loves him so much, in fact, that she painted a neoclassical portrait of him. You’ve probably seen it – like many of the bits on her show, the portrait has gone viral and was even picked up by the NHL. She is responsible for radio gold like Radio Tinder, Radio Yoga, and, of course, her touching tribute to Chester Bennington. So, when we finally got in touch with Lauren, we had to ask: what makes something go viral? According to Lauren, content is king. For her, tackling the social media beast is as simple as creating something new out of old news. And sometimes, it’s about breaking out of her entertainment self and letting her compelling quirkiness shine through. Her endearing personality certainly shines through in every bit she does on air. We talk about how she got into radio, how to create your own bits for your show, and how to spin current events into unique content – something she does very well. This episode is brought to you by Promosuite, who has been proudly shredding paper for over 25 years. Tackle the pile of paper on your desk by clicking on the Promosuite Image. #Edmonton #hockey #socialmedia #Radio

It's been a monumentally busy few months in Sports Media. In no particular order, ESPN Layoffs, firings over politically motivated or polarizing tweets, discipline for similar social media outbursts, arrests for a prostitution sting, a late night drinking binge that ended in the wrong house, and a Ponzi scheme at America's top radio sports station. In business, timing seems to be everything. Jason's sports media business is expanding with the increased landscape of sports media, and his blog has been working overtime on all the news stories. Jason works with sports media companies to make their product stronger. Often that's programming strategies, and working with talent in an ever changing and increasingly competitive sports media world. In this episode, we discuss the aforementioned subjects, along with how Sundays will feel different for TV viewers with the addition of Tony Romo and the departure of Chris Berman. We also tried to make sense of the DAZN Debacle, which saw NFL Sunday Ticket shift to a digital only platform in Canada. It can be a confusing world. Audiences aren't what they used to be. More choice, more fragmentation, and pretty much more of everything than ever before. Traditional ways of thinking are being challenged. New Platforms and technologies are emerging and merging, and buckets of data are being produced. Go Beyond the Data. Get the data you can actually use. NLogic offers strategic insights, customizable modern products, modern perspectives, and their personal commitment to help you make sense of your Canadian Radio and Television audiences. Talk to NLogic Today and be better positioned for tomorrow. Finally, both Jason's company and mine have jobs postings. Checkout Jason's job postings here. #sports #nfl #sportsradio

Back in 1992 when I was preparing to graduate from Acadia University, I needed a science credit and took a Computer Science course to lock down my Bachelor of Arts degree. I got 100% on my final exam, and the mark represented the only A on my transcript. In a world where the Iron Curtain was coming apart, Politics and History was fascinating and computers were just a tool to make my term papers shiny. I can't help but wonder if my life would have turned out differently if I had majored in Computer Science. But I was hell bent on getting on the radio. In the mid-90's when the internet began to blossom, Jake Daniels, my afternoon drive co-host would spout, "The Nerds are taking over!" at every dot com story. Then came the first wave of disruptions which included Napster; followed by Streaming, and then 2007 everything changed when the iPhone, Facebook and Twitter began to take hold of our lives. Through all of this, radio's biggest revenue generator is still the 30 second ad. The fact that it remains so says as much about radio's power, as it does its inability to change. Which leaves many in radio asking, why should we change? And how can we change? Those answers differ from station to station. The good news is that if even if you are just now starting to acquire a digital strategy, you are "playing with house money", as our guest on this week's show said. Elliott Hurst is co-founder and CEO of SoCast, a digital company helping hundreds of radio stations increase their digital revenue. What I really love about SoCast is that their founders (brothers Elliott and Sandy) are passionate about radio. The same issues that keep broadcast CEO's awake at night, are the same ones they are working to resolve all the time. Things like streaming, the connected car, voice activated boxes, social media integration and where it all started - websites. This episode is brought to you by PromoSuite Next. For over 25 years you've known PromoSuite as radio's original promotions management system. Helping promotions teams and programmers manage their contest winners, liners, sales, requests, remotes, prize fulfilment, and much more. Today over 2,500 radio stations across the United States and Canada use PromoSuite Next. And a gem from the internet. There's a lot of discussion about voice activated boxes like Alexa and Google Home. The rush is on to make sure that your radio station can be recalled and accessed easily. Sometimes there are unintended consequences and misunderstandings. #digital #socast

On the heels of the Podcast Movement, I depart from Anaheim and head north to Vancouver when I encountered a 7 hour layover. No worries, I have an audio recorder, and lunch date with Matt Sutton, afternoon host of Vancouver's Z95.3. We went to Wickelow Pub, where I dropped the Zoom audio recorder onto the table and away we went. Matt is largely unconvinced that a podcast is taking place, but one did come together. Matt Sutton and I worked together through 2013 and 2014, after I hired him from Brisbane, Australia's Triple M Radio. Matt and I spent a lot of time together honing Matt's ideas into great radio. At times that meant letting him try things, other times saying no. I spent some time trying to talk to Matt about the values of podcasting and we brainstorm a few ideas. This episode is brought to you by PromoSuite Next. For over 25 years you've known PromoSuite as radio's original promotions management system. Helping promotions teams and programmers manage their contest winners, liners, sales, requests, remotes, prize fulfilment, and much more. Today over 2,500 radio stations across the United States and Canada use PromoSuite Next. #PM17 #z95 #vancouver

The Podcast Movement It is my favourite conference of the year and has led to the elimination of a few radio conferences on the Sound Off Media Company tour schedule for the same reasons we hear after most radio conferences. “It’s the same panel discussions every year”. “Nothing seems to really evolve or change” “No one wants to talk about the elephant in the room” “Why isn't there more talent here?” Combine that with most companies holding their corporate meetings in conjunction with the conference and it doesn’t really feel like the industry is coming together in an era when it needs to come together. According to Steven Goldstein from Amplify Media, The Podcast Movement had 7 radio attendees in 2014. In 2015, Seth Resler joined Jacobs Media and asked for one final thing after negotiating his compensation: Send me to Podcast Movement. Fred Jacobs said, “If you want to go to Fort Worth Texas in July, be my guest.” Now I had never heard of Podcast Movement before. Around this time, I was travelling with my cousin to go fishing in Quebec and he told me that his assistant was going to Fort Worth, for Podcast Movement. I didn’t believe such a thing existed. Sure enough, it did. Again, there were only a dozen radio people. I made it a mission to go to Chicago to Podcast Movement 2016. The Jacobs Media Group made a more concerted effort to collaborate with Jared Easley and Dan Franks from Podcast Movement to reach out to radio. Aside from the collection of forward thinking radio strategists like the aforementioned Jacob’s Media and Amplify, there was Jason Barrett, Jeff Vidler, Chuck McCoy, myself, and leaders from Hubbard, Scripps, Cumulus, and iHeart. (Hey Canada… where were you? I know you only get 9 summer weekends, but Chicago to Toronto is short and you can get yourself to the Muskoka’s by 9pm) Which takes us to last week at the Anaheim Marriott for Podcast Movement 2017. Thanks to another strong effort by Jacobs Media, they worked with Jared and Dan to create a whole day of sessions designed with the confluence of radio and podcast in mind. These sessions all played to packed rooms, and lived up to “Broadcaster Meet Podcaster” title. I was on a panel moderated by Erica Farber from the Radio Advertising Bureau, and Mike Carruthers (Stuff You Should Know), Gregr from 107.7 the End in Seattle and host of Nerd Talk Podcast, and Sheri Lynch from the Bob & Sheri Show. The session was called “Radio’s Top Podcaster’s share their secrets.” (Yes I never stopped considering myself air talent as I did shifts even when I was program director – saving my company tens of dollars with every shift) A number of great ideas were shared, including one that I will be revisiting with Sheri Lynch in a future episode. It was also great to see more Canadian Content from Corus Entertainment who sent Digital Guru Dunner. When one bemoans the lack of available radio talent, it tells me they aren’t looking. The hallways and conference rooms of Podcast Movement are filled with the vibrant spirit and energy that was snuffed out by Broadcast Deregulation in 1996 in the U.S. and a similar move by the CRTC two years later. Yes, that energy has a lot to do with building an entrepreneurial story, but isn’t that what your radio station is trying to do? You’re still trying to grow your business, right? Does your station have room for podcasters and social media influencers over the course of a day or week? It should. During my time at Podcast Movement, I was inspired by the likes of Winnie Sun, and Cathy Heller whose success is affiliated with great energy and attitude. Then there were two keynote speakers Rabia Chaudry from the Undisclosed Podcast, and Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories. Both were kind enough to ask about my podcast, and where I was going in life. Both podcasts have downloads in the multi-millions and record their parts in closets and doing whatever it takes to get their message across. The former podcast is working to change someone’s life for the better and free someone, the latter telling heartfelt, funny and true stories. What did your radio show do today? Shannon couldn’t afford a windsock when he started – he could only afford the sock. The digital world may have unbundled newspapers, but the only radio disruption is so far is that it affects listener behaviour and time spent listening. Podcast’s largest strength is derived from it’s on demand nature, niche programming, telling compelling stories, and changing people’s lives. Radio can make adjustments to accommodate the first two, but relinquishing the last two is why radio isn’t what it once was. So tell better stories. Change people's lives. If your radio station has questions about podcast, talent or programming strategies, connect with any of radio strategists mentioned in this article. That would include me and I can be reached at 1-204-414-5541. It can be a confusing world out there. Audiences are not what they used to be. There is more choice, more fragmentation and pretty much more of everything than ever before. Traditional ways of thinking are being challenged. New platforms and technologies are emerging and merging, and buckets of data are being produced. How do you go beyond the data to something you can actually use? How do you make sense of it all? How do you get out of the weeds to focus on the big picture? Well, NLOGIC, the sponsors of this podcast, can help. They offer strategic insights, customizable modern products, market perspectives and their personal commitment to help you make sense of your Canadian radio and television audiences. Ultimately, they can help you grow your business. Talk to NLogic today and be better positioned for tomorrow. We spoke to three people in our latest episode. Click on their photos to access their webpages. (left) Amber DelaGarza - The Productivity Specialist (right) Jessica Rhodes - Interview Connections (left) Perry Michael Simon - The Evening Bulletin is a new podcast that runs a few minutes and is along the same lines as his talk topics. Podcast Movement 2018 will be in Philadelphia next year and I have been assured there is a delicious market across the street from the hotel with homemade pretzels, Philly Cheese Steak and more. See you there! #PM17 #Podcast