The BPA Insider presented by The Head Nod Podcast Vol. 1 | Issue 26
Weekly Industry News and Updates About Black Podcast Creatives & Professionals
This Post Is Sponsored By The Head Nod Podcast: Black Life At A PWI
Dive deep into the experiences of Black life in predominantly white spaces with "The Head Nod" podcast, co-hosted by industry heavyweights Adell Coleman and Anna DeShawn. Launching on August 15th, this groundbreaking series promises an authentic and enlightening journey through the college experiences of Black students at PWIs. 🎧 Click here to follow now and be the first to hear the premiere episode!
📝 The Editor’s Desk
So It’s Labor Day weekend and while the “official” last days of summer dwindle away in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m here in my mobile office aka Starbucks working. As you may have noticed, this issue has a different layout as compared to our previous ones. I am always looking to bring a positive, reading experience to you and felt that our old format was too bloated or becoming more bloated.
There have been a lot of going-ons in podcasting and it just seems like squeezing all that info was making what should be a fun, informative process a little more tedious than normal. I mean, not everything needs an image or full-on explanation, especially when you are linking to source material.
Change can be disruptive, however, dont be alarmed. Over the next few weeks you will see upcoming changes to our sections and content submission (yep, you can actually submit your news to us here!).
So let me know what you think of this format in the comments or shoot us an email at editor@blkpodnews.com. Constructive feedback is always welcomed!
Corey Gumbs
Founder & Editor
📚 BPA Insider Education
September is upon us and there are plenty of opportunities to improve your podcasting game.
🎓 On Sept 28th, The Black Podcasters Association continues its monthly Learning Lab’s series with Tonya McKenzie, Communication & Leadership expert, with this month’s topic: Strategic Collaborations to Elevate your Brand. This event is free to all BPA Members, so join here, and a small nominal fee for non-BPA members. Space is limited, so get your » Tickets Here! «
🎓 This week, Wednesday, Sept. 6th @ 7PM EST. , JP Hightek brings to you another of his “What’s In My Studio Session” on LinkedIn. The topic of discussion is “Unlocking Business Growth with a Pro Home Podcasting-Video Studio”. This session will help you learn about pro home podcasting-video studios and unlock a strategic blueprint that propels your brand toward unprecedented business growth. » More Info Here! «
🎓 Corey Gumbs &
, Podcast Host & Coach, bring you another “Podcast Pick My Brain” on X (formerly known as Twitter) Spaces for their bi-weekly open discussions about podcasting. Come join the conversation on Sept 6th at 7PM EST. and ask those questions that have been bugging you. » More Info Here «🎓
shares her insights on the vital role that specialized community spaces and events play in the professional and personal development of creators of color and their allies. She posits that these platforms offer unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and mentorship that are often missing in mainstream events. Check out the article along with some audio. » Learn more & Listen «Got Info? Lets Us Know!
You can submit your content, press releases, industry/breaking news, links, and podcast relevant information to our engaged audience. » Submit Here! «
👨🏽💻 Insider News & Notables
Bringing you recent news & tidbits you need to know from around the industry.
⭐️ Broccoli Productions, has launched the BUILD Grant to foster the next generation of podcasters. The grant will provide £1,000 GBP ( around $1200 USD) to each of five selected applicants aiming to advance their podcasting careers. Open to both UK and international candidates, the grant is an extension of Broccoli's BUILD e-learning platform, which offers specialized masterclasses in various aspects of podcasting. Successful applicants w
ill not only receive the grant but also a 12-month subscription to the BUILD platform and a consultation session with an industry expert.
The initiative is part of Broccoli's commitment to increasing accessibility and reducing gatekeeping in the audio industry. » Learn More And Apply Here! «
⭐️ Issue 18 of TAP (The African Perspective) Magazine produced in collaboration with Afripods, presents the most comprehensive analysis to date on the state of podcasting in Africa. Featuring contributions from over 80 experts across 18 African countries, the issue offers invaluable insights into the podcasting landscape on the continent. » Read & Learn More Here! «
⭐️ Maurice Oniang'o explores the rise of podcasting in Africa, revealing a medium that is gaining traction despite challenges like limited internet access and monetization. Key industry figures, such as Molly Jensen of Afripods and Melissa Mbugua of
, provide insights into the podcasting landscape, highlighting its popularity among young and female audiences. However, it notes that the industry still faces hurdles in distribution and networking support. Oniang'o concludes by discussing innovative revenue streams for podcasters, such as live recordings, as a potential solution to some of these challenges. » Read More Here! «⭐️ In a groundbreaking study titled "Sounds of Self-Esteem," ABF Creative surveyed 1,013 parents of children aged 4-11 to explore the impact of audio content on children's mental health and self-esteem. The research delves into various audio mediums, including music, podcasts, audiobooks, and soundscapes, examining their role in shaping young minds. Key findings indicate that music fosters emotional connections, podcasts contribute to learning and wellness, and audiobooks enhance empathy. Additionally, soundscapes were found to be effective in building self-esteem. The study aims to transform our understanding of the potential of audio in fostering growth, confidence, and resilience in children. » Get Your Copy of the Report «
⭐️ Afripods, Africa's leading podcast hosting platform, has unveiled its groundbreaking Broadcast-to-Podcast (B2P) technology, resulting in an 895% increase in streams for affiliated radio stations in just six months. The technology is currently utilized by over 110 radio stations across eight African countries and is set to expand further. Research by Afripods shows that 81% of African radio listeners are interested in on-demand content, highlighting the market's readiness for such innovations. The B2P technology allows publishers to transform single-use radio content into evergreen podcasts, thereby expanding their audience and increasing profits. » Learn More «
⭐️ The first-ever BIPOC Podcast Creators "Audio Flavor Social" recently took place in Denver, serving as a vital networking hub for podcasters, digital creators, and local business owners of color. Co-founded by
, the event aimed to fill a gap in the media industry by providing a dedicated space for BIPOC professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a panel discussion with seasoned creators, participate in a curated listening experience, and even pitch their podcast ideas for a chance to win a year-long production membership at Denver Community Media. With tickets selling out, the gathering confirmed the growing demand for such inclusive spaces in the media landscape. A follow-up event is planned for Phoenix, AZ. » Read & Learn More «Sponsored Link
📈 BPA Insider Marketing & Social News
📍On Wednesday, August 30th, Sounds Profitable released the findings of their latest research project: “The Podcast Landscape”. Tom Webster, walks us through the findings that examined topics such as: listener expectations of what podcasting is, and isn’t, who is listening less to podcasts, and why, causes of listener churn, the role video plays in podcast demand, what YouTube really offers podcasters and more. You can » watch Tom’s presentation and download the report here! «
📍Instagram is reportedly testing an extension of its Reels video length from three minutes to 10 minutes, according to leaked information by Alessandro Paluzzi. This move appears to be a direct response to competition from TikTok, which already allows up to 10-minute videos for free users. The change would also bring Instagram Reels closer in length to many YouTube videos. » Read & Learn More! «
📍 YouTube is implementing a new policy to help creators better understand and adhere to its Community Guidelines. Under the new rules, creators who receive a warning can take an educational course to have the warning removed, provided they don't commit the same violation for 90 days. The platform aims to reduce the number of channel terminations and offer more targeted warnings for specific policy violations. » Read & Learn More «
📍A recent study by Acast, led by Tommy Walters, Director of Research and Insights, delves into the growing trend of using podcasts as sleep aids. The research identifies two primary types of sleep-focused podcast listeners: "Midnight Meditators" and "Dreamland Distractors," each with distinct genre preferences and demographic profiles. Intriguingly, these listeners are less likely to skip ads and have higher recall rates for advertisements heard while falling asleep. The study also found that 83% of listeners using podcasts to fall asleep trust podcast hosts, a statistic that holds significant implications for advertisers. Walters suggests that this presents a unique and effective avenue for targeted advertising. » Read & Learn More «
📍YouTube is intensifying its focus on podcasting with several new features set to launch by year's end, as reported by Sarah Perez on August 25, 2023. The platform will roll out support for RSS uploads for podcasters and will also introduce podcast support on YouTube Music, including the ability to add private RSS feeds. The announcement was made at the Podcast Movement conference and is part of YouTube's broader strategy to become a key player in the podcasting space. » Read & Learn More «
📍YouGov's latest report, "The Podheads: US Audience Profile & Brand Rankings 2023," reveals significant growth in podcast listenership in the United States. Nearly a quarter of Americans now listen to over 5 hours of podcasts per week, a notable increase from 18% in 2021. The report delves into the key demographics and behaviors of this "unskippable audience," exploring what activities they engage in while listening and how they differ from traditional radio listeners. » Read The Report Here! «
📍Spotify is rolling out a series of updates aimed at podcast creators, allowing them to customize their show pages and gain deeper audience insights. The new features include the ability to highlight specific episodes, cross-promote other podcasts, and display promotional banners for paid content. Podcasters will also have access to detailed analytics, including trending data and the sources of impressions. These updates come in the same week as Apple Podcasts' enhancements to its subscription program, signaling both platforms' commitment to treating podcasts as serious business ventures. » Read & Learn More «
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🥳 BPA Insider Need To Know Events
🎉 Afros & Audio announces Labor Day Flash Sale. Get 35% off regularly priced tickets to the 5th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival, Labor Day Monday only, using promo code: afau23labor
This is a can’t miss event and will be happening in this years location of Baltimore, Maryland on October 21-22, 2023. You can attend this festival in person or virtually. » Click Here To Learn More & RSVP Your Ticket «
🎉 The 4th Annual Black Podcasting Awards ceremony will be broadcasting live this September 25th, at 2 PM EST. With over 20+ categories and special performances, you don’t want to miss this event. You can register to attend the event here!
You can also pre-apply for the 2024 awards season, click right here!
🎉 The African Podcast and Voice Awards are hosting a watch party for their upcoming awards ceremony on September 23rd, 2023. The APVA Awards is the premier event for recognizing the outstanding work of African podcasters, spoken-word artists, and voice actors. You can register for the watch party here.
🎉 International Women's Podcast Awards are now accepting entries for their 2023 Awards. From now until September 22nd, you can submit your podcast. The International Women’s Podcast Awards recognise moments of brilliance in podcasting and the women and people of diverse genders that produce them.You can register to submit your podcast by clicking here!
👉🏽 And don’t forget to apply to get your awards fees submissions reimbursed, up to $200, by checking out the Podcasting, Seriously Fund.
This Post Is Sponsored By The Head Nod Podcast: Black Life At A PWI
Dive deep into the experiences of Black life in predominantly white spaces with "The Head Nod" podcast, co-hosted by industry heavyweights Adell Coleman and Anna DeShawn. Launching on August 15th, this groundbreaking series promises an authentic and enlightening journey through the college experiences of Black students at PWIs. 🎧 Click here to follow now and be the first to hear the premiere episode!
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