Hayti, the leading Black-owned news aggregation app that pulls content solely from Black publishers, is officially the largest source of podcasts led by Black hosts. Hayti is cementing its legacy as a historic platform by expanding its news app with access to over 2,000 Black podcasters. » Learn More Here! «
The BPA 2nd Annual Summer Social for Content Creators in NYC Announced
The clock is ticking, and the early bird offer won't last forever!
Until June 14th, seize the opportunity to secure your spot at the most awaited podcasting event of the year - The Second Annual Summer Social 2023, brought to you by the Black Podcasters Association.
BlkPodNews™ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
All are welcomed to attend this great event!
Feel the pulse of the dynamic world of podcasting and content creation at this exclusive gathering. It's more than an event; it's your launchpad to broader networks, industry insights, and a renewed zeal for podcasting and content creation.
Whether you're a business owner, a podcasting newbie, a seasoned content creator, or someone ready to dive into this exciting universe, the Summer Social is your golden ticket. Here, we are building an ecosystem of collaboration, networking, and fun, carefully curated just for you.
Savor the culinary delights from our spread, enjoy curated cocktails courtesy of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and along with our cash bar.
BPA Summer Social 2023 Sponsor
As the night unfolds, let our DJ's tunes set the rhythm for vibrant conversations and connections. The cherry on top? A fireside chat featuring a surprise guest that will leave you brimming with fresh insights and inspiration.
Enhance your online presence or media kit with a professional headshot, available at an additional charge (You can purchase with your ticket!). And don't miss the Black Business Showcase, a unique platform to display your products and services to a diverse, influential audience.
1st Annual BPA Summer Social 2022
Sponsorship & Vending Opportunities
Consider amplifying your brand's visibility through our Sponsorship, Vendor, & Swag Bag opportunities. As a sponsor, you'll reap the benefits of extensive promotional advantages while contributing to the success of this event.
For more information on sponsorship, being a vendor, or adding your product/marketing materials to our swag bag, email: Events@blackpodcastersassociation.com
Don't let this chance slip away!
Be a part of the Black Podcasters Association Second Annual Summer Social 2023 and make a defining stride in your podcasting journey.
Group and corporate/business ticket bulk discounts are available too. Connect with us for more details.
Spotify Loses Another Black Podcaster: Jemele Hill Cuts Ties & Shuts Down Podcast Network
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify
Renowned journalist and former sportscaster, Jemele Hill, is set to leave Spotify, marking the end of her exclusive podcast "Jemele Hill Is Unbothered" and the "Unbothered Network" on the platform.
Hill's Unbothered Network, a platform that empowers and amplifies the voices of Black women, made a significant impact during its time on Spotify with the launch of two inspiring shows, "Sanctified" and "The Black Girl Bravado".
This move comes at a time when Spotify is reevaluating its podcast strategy under cost and profit pressures, leading to significant shifts in its podcasting teams and strategies. These changes, alongside Hill's departure, raise questions about the platform's commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly for Black content creators.
In recent years, Spotify has experienced a number of high-profile departures from its podcasting division. This includes the leaders of Gimlet, Parcast and Anchor, as well as former executive, Dawn Ostroff.
According to sources, pay disputes were a significant factor in the decision of some individuals to leave, as was the exclusive nature of certain contracts, which limited the reach of their shows and made it difficult to get new programs approved.
One example of this was the Obama’s Higher Ground, which did not renew its contract last year due to concerns about the exclusivity of the deal. Similarly, filmmaker Ava DuVernay also left her agreement during a tumultuous period when Joe Rogan, Spotify's biggest exclusive podcaster, faced backlash for sharing alleged Covid misinformation and using offensive language in a clip that surfaced online.
Amidst this controversy, journalist Jemele Hill called for Spotify to pay $100 million to a Black person, which was the reported size of Rogan's deal at the time. The New York Times later reported that Spotify actually paid over $200 million for Rogan's contract.
Open Submissions for the Black Podcasting Awards: Your Moment to Shine!
We invite you to join the exciting journey of the Black Podcasting Awards 2023. Start your application process today at apply.BlackPodAwards.com and make use of the discount code GOODLUCK23 to get $5 off each application.
We value your interest in our category sponsorships and welcome referrals. This is an exceptional opportunity to garner visibility in front of hundreds of Black podcasters. As a category sponsor, you can expect:
Naming rights for your chosen category
Three social media posts to promote your brand
Your logo prominently displayed on the BPA's website
Inclusion of your logo in a press release and this newsletter
A spot in our swag bag
Ready to make your mark in the podcasting world? Apply today!
All Black Podcasting Award candidates can have their submission fees (up to $200) reimbursed, to them through The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund.
LWC Studios launched the Fund to support independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio producers in both submitting high-quality work to media/journalism awards and receiving further production education and training.
The Fund accepts reimbursement applications on a rolling basis year-round (using the application link on this page), and an individual can submit up to $200 in awards reimbursements and up to $500 in education/training reimbursements per calendar year.
In the realm of business, your network is your net worth. However, building an authentic, valuable network requires more than just exchanging business cards.
Robin Kinnie, the esteemed President of Motor City Woman Studios and Audio Engineers of Detroit, will guide you through the process of visualizing, cultivating, and leveraging relationships that will catapult your success.
Get ready for simple, yet powerful tools that will transform your network into a springboard for success.
Space is limited and tickets will sell out fast.
This event is FREE for all BPA Members. If you are interested in joining the Black Podcasters Association, click here!
For any sponsorship, advertising, press, or questions/queries, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to your participation!
Each year, Edison Research Infinite Dial reports an uptick in podcast popularity, and 2023 was no exception. Astoundingly, 47% of Americans aged 13 to 24 listened to podcasts in the past month, reflecting an impressive 57% growth compared to five years ago. What does this mean? There are an estimated 24 million Gen Z U.S. monthly podcast listeners, a golden opportunity for brands and content creators to connect with this coveted demographic.
Let's delve into the key findings of the latest SXM Media and Edison Researchstudy, exploring Gen Z's growing affection for podcasts.
Diversity in Gen Z Listeners
As Gen Z's podcast love affair blossoms, so does its listener diversity. Now, 46% of monthly Gen Z podcast listeners are female, up from 42% in 2018. Moreover, the ethnic composition of Gen Z listeners is richer than ever. From Hispanic/Latino to Black/African American and Asian listeners, the Gen Z podcast audience is a diverse tapestry waiting to be engaged with.
Engaging Content is Key
Gen Z listeners aren't just hitting play - they're actively engaging with the content. They favor podcasts with real-life stories, engaging banter, potential for binge-listening, and a variety of guests. And it doesn't stop there - 78% of them admit to binge-listening to their favorite shows!
Furthermore, Gen Z wants more than just entertainment - they are seeking fresh perspectives and conversations about social issues, diverse views, and content that resonates with their age group. They're looking for podcasts that inform, enlighten, and offer useful advice.
Social Media: The Podcast Gateway
Gen Z is discovering new podcasts through an unexpected channel - social media. Nearly 90% of Gen Z listeners have sampled a podcast clip on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, with 73% saying that this clip encouraged them to listen or watch the full podcast. Social media isn't just a discovery tool, but also a way to engage with favorite podcasts by following hosts or sharing content.
Podcasts: A Trusted Source of Information
While social media is an excellent discovery tool for news and current events, Gen Z is turning to podcasts for the full, trusted story. They want deep-dives into issues not covered elsewhere, from social justice and economy to mental health and climate change. Gen Z listeners are not just passive consumers; they actively seek out insightful, thoughtful commentary on important topics.
The Mental Health Connection
Another area where podcasts shine for Gen Z is mental health. Recognizing the negative impacts of social media on emotional well-being, Gen Z listeners are turning to podcasts for relaxation and escapism. Not just a distraction, but a tool to better understand their emotions.
Brand Opportunities: Podcast Ads Work!
Gen Z is actually receptive to podcast ads! Research shows that they remember brands they hear on podcasts and, crucially, they act on these ads. From visiting a company's website to actually purchasing a product after hearing a podcast ad, this generation is showing a willingness to interact with brands in meaningful ways through this medium.
Content Is Queen’s Open Letter To The Audio Industry
A recent open letter to the audio industry on ContentIsQueen.org has brought to light a pressing issue: the lack of support for marginalized creators in the sector.
The letter, penned by lead author, and founder/CEO of Content Is Queen, Imriel Morgan, calls for a significant shift—from words to action—in the industry's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Despite public commitments to these principles, the industry has fallen short of its promises. The letter highlights a stark disparity, with millions spent acquiring individual creators, while a fractional sums are pledged to support BIPOC/African podcasters.
An Open Letter to the Audio Industry: Time to Turn Words into Action
The open letter makes five key demands of the audio industry, calling for transparency,accountability, investment, partnership, and education to better support underrepresented creators. It's not just a plea—it's a challenge for the industry to show meaningful action and a long-lasting commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The message is clear: the audio industry needs to take real, substantive steps towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's not enough to make promises - it's time for meaningful action.
You can support the initiative using #SayLessDoMore on social media. You can also use suggested images and social media by clicking here!
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Congrats To The Sonic Bloom Awards Finalist
Hats off to all the finalists of the upcoming Sonic Bloom Awards by She Podcasts! This is a monumental moment that truly commemorates your dedication, talent, and impact in the podcasting space.
We want to especially shine a light on our remarkable BPA members and friends who are part of this illustrious lineup:
Twila Dang
Latrice Sampson Richards
Lisa Woolfork
Nicole Walker
Kimberly Sumpter
Akilah Thompkins-Robinson
Cassandre Dunbar
Bethany Hawkins
Each of you has showcased exceptional skill and heart in your work, helping to shape the podcasting landscape. We're thrilled to see your efforts recognized on such a prestigious platform.
Your accomplishments inspire us all and serve as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Congratulations to you all, and best of luck in the Sonic Bloom Awards. Here's to many more milestones in your podcasting journey!
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🔔 BPA Insider Notables
⭐️ BecomeABlkPodNews.com Contributor - You can now submit your content, articles, links, press releases, new releases, and more to BlkPodNews.com. » Submit Content Here! «
⭐️ The Podcast Sessions Magazine New Issue Released - Check out the Podcast Sessions Magazine, Africa’s first and only magazine. You can checkout their newest issue. » Read More Here! «
⭐️ 5 Reasons Podcast Advertising Won’t Work For Your Brand - Acast helps advertisers to understand the mistakes they are making when deciding to advertise on podcasts. » Read More Here! «
⭐️ Fast Company: Brands Can’t Avoid Culture Wars - Fast Company’s Rob Walker explores how brands can no longer avoid culture wars and will have to determine what they stand for eventually. » Read More Here! «
⭐️ Apple Podcasts Marketing Tools - Apple Podcasts provides a tool that helps podcasters create social media posts via a generator for their podcast show, episode, or channel.» Read More Here! «
This Post Is Sponsored By Hayti
Hayti, the leading Black-owned news aggregation app that pulls content solely from Black publishers, is officially the largest source of podcasts led by Black hosts. Hayti is cementing its legacy as a historic platform by expanding its news app with access to over 2,000 Black podcasters. » Learn More Here! «
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