Sponsored by The Podglomerate. More downloads start with a plan. The Podglomerate's free Ultimate Guide to Podcast Marketing covers the tactics, tools, and channels to help more people discover your show. 88% of podcast consumers are consuming both audio and video - up ten points from last year. And, 63% of listeners start an episode in one format and finish it in another, according to Acast's new Podcast Pulse 2026, researched across thirteen markets by research firm Differentology. “The industry spent years arguing over formats, but audiences moved on long ago,” said Greg Glenday, CEO at Acast. “A podcast fan’s decision isn’t driven by format loyalty; it’s driven by whether they’re driving at 7 AM or on the couch at 9 PM. Once you see that, the audio-versus-video debate stops being interesting, and a much better commercial opportunity takes its place.” Exclusive: Comedy continues to grow in podcasting: Drew Spears Productions has announced the launch of DSP Podcasts, the podcast production and distribution arm of DSP. Started by Drew Spears in 2021, the comedy company, which runs a studio and event space in Frog Town and runs livestreaming events, is launching a number of shows. Crossed Wires, the UK podcast festival, generated over £6.6mn (US $8.8mn) in total economic impact to its home city of Sheffield, according to results released today. Just over half of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire. The event was an almost even spread of ages. > > > Read more of today’s podcast industry news stories on the Podnews website: and get our free daily newsletter.Classifieds - your job or ad hereThe podcast recorder for studios — Manage clients and access their recordings. No platform nudging them towards AI editing. No paying for confusing features nobody asked for. Try SureTake now.Contact John Wordock for Multimedia Strategy — Looking to add video? Still figuring out YouTube? Wondering what metrics to really track? A podcaster since 2006 John Wordock can help build your multimedia strategy. Book a confidential chat today.Audienclelift.com Podcast Growth You Can Trust — Verified Growth™ from Audiencelift.com helps your podcast reach real listeners, and lets listeners choose their preferred listening app. Schedule a Demo. Podcast Ads in Japan, Made Simple — Launch podcast campaigns in Japan through Audiostart. A simple entry point for global brands and agencies looking to reach Japanese listeners.Gold supporters: Buzzsprout, Mowpod, Beehiiv, The $100 MBA,