(This is an AI description from Buzzsprout's Cohost)We test Netflix’s “video podcast” land grab, then show why Apple’s AI chapters and Timed Links are the practical upgrade creators needed. DAX’s Brian Conlan joins to explain why audio’s problem is ROAS, not downloads, and how better measurement unlocks bigger budgets.• Netflix licensing moves and YouTube exclusivity trade-offs• Why this is cheap TV, not podcasting, and why that matters• Audio vs video consumption and where value really sits• Apple AI chapters, Timed Links, and transcript expansion• Chapters JSON, ID3, and episode notes pros and cons• Does Apple make ad skipping easier or ads better• DAX on attribution, ROAS, and harmonised standards• Spotify’s earnings, video spin, and creator payouts• Libsyn ends The Feed; Podcast 411 returns• Fireside Chat closes; Fox acquires Meet Cute• LN address vs keysend and easier listener payments• HLS, listen-time data, and ad effectiveness• New tools: Podcast Magic and Snipd for smarter notesStart podcasting, keep podcasting with BuzzSprout.comSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We unpack a bold true crime breakthrough: RNZ uses AI to recreate a deceased inmate’s voice with family consent and full disclosure, elevating the investigation without faking facts. We also dive into video on the TV screen, premium RSS, and why co‑host chemistry beats guest fatigue.• Spotify adds video podcasts to Apple TV• YouTube AI upscales low‑res video and adds QR shopping• RNZ’s NARC uses 11Labs with ethics review and consent• Why AI voice can be more transparent than actors• Fountain hosting launches with open RSS and alt enclosures• Premium RSS and Lightning versus card fees• Streaming metrics for plays, listen time, and completion• Interview saturation and the rise of host‑led formats• China’s credential rule for sensitive creator topics• Acast profitability and ARPL growth• MrBallen’s SiriusXM deal and YouTube ad sales• Bending Spoons buys AOL and raises prices playbook• Layoffs across media and YouTube AI reorg• OP3 bot spikes and practical filtering• Stablecoins, MasterCard, and future micropayments• Adobe’s licensed AI audio for safer commercial use• Ad measurement with Audio Pixel and real attributionStart podcasting, keep podcasting with Buzzsprout.comSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We track Edison Research’s sale to SSRS, Spotify’s TV distribution push, and whether video truly grows podcast audiences. We debate Oxford Road’s new ad-performance ranker, membership models that creators can own, and the messy state of podcast standards.• SSRS acquires Edison Research and keeps the team• Edison’s people-based ranker shows stable top shows and fast risers• Spotify expands via Samsung TV Plus and Netflix distribution• Netflix’s background audio and auto limitations challenge podcast UX• BBC data on modest incremental reach from video• Oxford Road’s ORBIT ranks shows by ad effectiveness• Ads vs attribution debate and what “works” really means• Supporting Cast enables owned subscriptions and ad-free feeds• Standards frustration: PSP process, adoption gaps, taxonomy needs• OpenStreetMap-powered location tag enables richer discovery• AWS outage highlights platform dependence and resilienceStart podcasting, keep podcasting with Buzzsprout.comSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We break down the Netflix–Spotify pact to move select video podcasts off YouTube, weigh the real winners, and ask whether exclusivity helps or harms creators. We also challenge Apple’s ad‑free push, share data on when people actually listen, and explore practical tools that make podcasts easier to find and love.We'd have had ChadF on this week for an interview, but technology let us down. Sorry.• Why Netflix and Spotify align on video podcasts• What leaving YouTube means for Ringer fans• Apple’s ad‑free Series Essentials and who pays the price• YouTube’s playbook for chapters, titles, comments• Midday listening peaks and what to publish when• AI voices, trust, and the “missing middle” of ads• Location tags, standard icons, and better UX• Overcast’s download fixes and transcript support• Community boosts, gamification, and feedback loopsSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Flightcast’s Rox Codes joins us to unpack a video-first hosting and growth platform built for YouTube, Spotify, and serious creators, while we challenge inflated web “browser” downloads, pricing resets, and what actually counts as a podcast in a $3B market. We weigh useful AI assistants against synthetic co-hosts, and map the road to practical standards like HLS and Podcasting 2.0.• livewire host-share data showing consolidation and heritage brands sliding• price rises at major hosts and how AI features drive bundled costs• web player download spikes likely from bots, scrapers, and cloud IPs• what Flightcast publishes where and why video-first matters• AI analytics assistant for multi-platform, time-bounded insights• clip experimentation on separate channels to validate winners• storage choices enabling future video RSS and richer search• podcasting 2.0 tags for chapters and transcripts on the roadmap• why HLS needs shared best practices before broader adoption• Global Studios’ video push and creator acquisitions• the $3B ad forecast and the definition problem of “podcast”• Apple’s Podroll video promos UX quirks and limits• soundbites, playlists, and underused standards for discovery• creator tools: Audacity redesign and Whisper.cpp speed gains• a human-first stance on AI: assist, don’t replaceStart podcasting, keep podcasting with BuzzSprout.comSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We break down AI-generated podcast “slop,” Spotify’s leadership shift, and why attention—not downloads—should be the metric brands care about. Fresh Air’s Neil Cowling joins us to explain how branded podcasts create real value, and where video fits in.• reactions to Jeanine Wright's interview and AI content quality• risk to advertisers from bots and low retention• International Podcast Day and the case for open RSS• Spotify’s co‑CEOs move and DDEX‑based AI disclosures• YouTube AI features and Riverside prompt editing• why branded podcasts target niches and measure attention• funding models for originals and talent partnerships• the rise of video as a content engine for brands• SoundStack’s HLS launch, costs, and app support• research on podcast reach and high‑attention media• events, awards, and tool updates from Buzzsprout• X402 micropayments, wallets, splits, and V4VStart podcasting, keep podcasting with Buzzsprout.comSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

AI is transforming the podcast industry, raising questions about disclosure, quality standards, and audience preferences as companies like Inception Point AI create thousands of AI-generated episodes weekly.• Jeanine Wright from Inception Point AI reveals they produce 3,000 episodes weekly with just eight staff members• Discussion of AI disclosure standards and whether the "person tag" or "disclosure tag" adequately addresses advertiser concerns• Corporate censorship considerations for podcasting, contrasting with broadcast television's regulatory environment• Descript announces new CEO Laura Burkhauser and introduces media minutes and AI credits pricing structure• Stuart Morgan of Audio Always discusses the blurring lines between podcasting, radio and audiobooks• Dylan Haskins introduces the new All-Ireland Podcast Awards and Soundwaves conference• Debate about podcast app monetization strategies after PocketCast introduces ads• True value for podcasting apps may come from subscription models rather than advertisingIf you want to support this podcast, you can do so by streaming sats, using the Buzzsprout fan mail link in our show notes, sending a super comment or boost, or becoming a power supporter at weekly.podnews.net.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

AI-generated content is rapidly flooding the podcast ecosystem, creating tension between innovation and quality standards across the audio landscape. Companies like Inception Point AI are generating thousands of low-quality episodes despite criticism, while YouTube introduces new features that could either revolutionize monetization or exacerbate content pollution problems.• AI content companies defending their output as "art" despite widespread criticism from industry experts• YouTube announcing dynamically inserted sponsorship messages and AI-enabled features like speech-to-song• Greg Glenday, Acast CEO, revealing they've paid over $500 million to creators while maintaining a creator-first philosophy• Acast expanding globally with strong growth in international markets like Singapore, Mexico, and throughout Asia• ListenNotes removing over 29,000 podcast shows from its database since December as part of quality control efforts• The need for transparency in AI-generated content versus human-created podcasts• Apple Podcasts introducing new features in iOS 26 including enhanced dialogue and per-show playback speeds• Pocket Casts launching expensive advertising options at $5,000 per week for carousel ads• Various podcast apps adding support for Podcasting 2.0 features like creator-led recommendations and instant notificationsSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We remember podcasting pioneer Todd Cochran who passed away suddenly this week, reflecting on his 19-year journey in the industry and the indelible mark he left on the medium. • Todd's journey began in 2004 with a $14.95 Walmart microphone, creating his first podcast in a hotel room in Waco, Texas• An excerpt from our 2023 interview with Todd shares his podcasting origin story and philosophy• Apple Podcasts appears to be preparing support for Podcasting 2.0 JSON chapters, potentially offering AI-generated chapters for podcasts• Daniel J Lewis has launched Pod Chapters in beta, offering AI-generated chapter creation for podcasters• Patreon is enhancing creator pages with customization options and domains, pointing to a trend of creator-owned portals• YouTube broadcast its first exclusive NFL game to 17 million global viewers as sports content grows in importance• Growing concerns about AI-generated podcast content as companies flood platforms with low-quality, automated shows• New York Times is closing its dedicated audio app to integrate audio content into its main news app• Discussion of protocol integration between ActivityPub, the AT protocol, and Nostr for better social web interconnectionIf you're in London on Tuesday, September 16th, join James and Sam at the Yorkshire Grey in Langham Street between 5-7pm for drinks and conversation.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Jakarta sets the stage for an exploration of Asia's unique podcast landscape, where innovative approaches to monetization and content distribution reflect the region's diverse markets and consumer behaviors.• Ron Baetiong from Podcast Network Asia leverages Spotify's Open Access with local payment systems like GCash for their audio drama platform• Japanese podcast consumption differs significantly from Western markets, with YouTube as the top platform for podcast listening• BBC announces "Asia Specific," a new podcast examining global stories through an Asian lensPlus...• Blubrry announces first price increase in 20 years, raising questions about sustainable podcast hosting models• Buzzsprout data shows Spotify usage dropping 3.1% year-on-year, while Apple Podcasts remains dominant at 37.1%• PodHome launches their own podcast app after a year of development, focused on discovery and modern features• Top reasons listeners abandon podcasts include content being boring and shows starting with too much meaningless chat.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Alex Sanfilippo shares how PodMatch is revolutionizing podcast guest booking through an innovative platform that functions like a dating app for interviews. He explains the platform's unique business model and why he believes community building is the future of podcasting.• PodMatch connects podcast hosts and guests while automating administrative functions• The platform charges a small fee to ensure users are serious, creating a "law of buy-in"• Through the Pod Value Initiative, PodMatch has given back nearly $900,000 to podcasters• Each profile doubles as a professional media one-sheet with SEO benefits• Audio content remains powerful because it doesn't intrude on people's busy lives• Quality content is essential as the barrier to entry remains low• The "Mom Test" helps podcasters get honest feedback from listeners• Building community with listeners provides valuable insights for improvement• Hosts should ask listeners how they found the show, what they like, how to improve, and what problems they need solvedTo sign up for PodMatch or access free podcasting resources, visit podmatch.com/free.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

James and Sam examine Spotify's new direct messaging feature for sharing podcast recommendations and how it might impact content discovery.• Spotify releases data showing Gen Z students increase podcast listening at breakfast time when returning to school• Science, business, and technology podcasts see significant growth among younger listeners • Captivate announces Studio feature integrating remote recording capabilities directly into their hosting platform• Apple partners with TuneIn to make Apple Music radio stations available across more platforms• The Pod News Weekly Review wins an Earworthy Podcast Award in the podcast about podcasting category• Alex Sanfilippo discusses PodMatch's mission to connect podcast hosts and guests while giving back financially to creators• Google tightens security around Android app distribution, potentially limiting sideloading options• John Spurlock teases development of a "futuristic" podcast app for Android with unique featuresSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

This audio has been rescued from almost inaudible audio thanks to recording using the wrong microphone - this was just on a laptop microphone carried around a loud conference. Good job that Buzzsprout has a tool called Power Clean that fixed much of that for us.We also speak with Oskar Serrander about Wondercraft's new tool, Wonda.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

James and Sam are away this week, so time for an interview in more detail than we normally would. Norma-Jean Belenky discusses her new podcast PodBiz, which explores the various ways podcasters monetize their content through transparent conversations with industry professionals.• PodBiz aims to answer the question "where's the money in podcasting?" through interviews with experts in advertising, subscriptions, and alternative revenue models• Some independent creators with just 1,200 downloads per episode are making six-figure incomes from their podcasts• Advertising remains strong, but subscription models are gaining significant traction across the industry• Organizations like AIR (Association of Independent Radio Professionals) publish rate cards to promote fair compensation for podcast production roles• Quality podcast production requires adequate labor and resources – "good work takes labor"• Value-for-value models and cryptocurrency-based micropayments remain niche but have potential for growth• Event hosting, merchandise, and packaging content across multiple platforms are effective additional revenue streams• Podcasters are building communities through newsletters and events to strengthen audience relationships• AI tools help reduce labor-intensive aspects of production but raise questions about transparency and disclosure• The podcast industry faces potential regulatory challenges as governments implement content restrictions and age verificationSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Amazon's restructuring of Wondery signals deeper issues with their podcast strategy as they distribute operations across Audible, creator services, and advertising divisions while losing approximately 110 jobs in the process.• Amazon's track record with podcast acquisitions has been underwhelming, including Art19's low market share and unfulfilled promises for high-profile shows• Dan Granger from Oxford Road suggests the reorganization represents a recalibration toward more integrated audio ecosystems• Sean King from Veritone emphasizes the importance of balancing host-read ads with other advertising forms• Patreon creators have earned over $10 billion since 2013, now receiving $2 billion annually—equal to the entire US podcast ad market• UK age verification requirements for mature content are forcing platforms like Spotify to implement face scanning or ID uploads• Riverside has quietly launched a podcast hosting service that sends video to YouTube but only audio to other platforms• New podcast technology includes Todd Cochran's GuestMatchPro for connecting content creators and specialists for interviews• True Fans is testing a new advertising option called True Ads allowing creators to purchase placement on the homepageSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

James Cridland and Sam Sethi explore Spotify's mixed financial results showing strong overall growth but declining ad revenue, alongside their increasing focus on video podcasts at the expense of audio-only content.• Spotify's ads business struggling despite growth in users and profit• VP of Global Advertising Lee Brown leaving Spotify "by mutual agreement"• Video consumption growing 20 times faster than audio-only on Spotify• 16:9 image formats creating problems for traditional podcast artwork• JAR Audio rebranding to JAR Podcast Solutions with focus on measurable results: Roger Nairn explains how brands now see real value in podcasts beyond CEO vanity projects• RSS.com launching PAID (Programmatic Ads Inserted Dynamically) with $1 minimum payout• YouTube CEO Neil Mohan claiming "it's all over" for audio podcasting as video dominates• Acast financial results showing US becoming their largest market despite executive departures• Apple iOS enhanced dialogue feature improving podcast listening experience• Podcast image tag offering potential solution to artwork format challenges• Secure RSS and podcast monetization models being developed for premium content• Overcast apparently working on transcript features for podcasts• Rode introducing Call Me feature for remote podcast recording• True Fans positioning as a "value exchange" between creators and listenersVisit Buzzsprout.com for the tools, support and community to make sure you keep podcasting.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

The old guard of media gatekeepers are trying to stay relevant as independent creators flourish across podcasting, video, and beyond.• Spanish broadcaster RTVE blocking Antennapod and other podcast apps while maintaining deals with commercial giants like Apple and Spotify• BBC Sounds closing for non-UK audiences due to music licensing issues• Diary of a CEO reaching 3 million people daily, surpassing major US late-night TV shows• Video podcasts becoming the new basic cable television, with 37% of Americans watching one in the last month• YouTube setting a new record with 12.8% of all TV usage in the US• Joe Budden earning over $1 million monthly on Patreon, demonstrating creators can stay independent while building sustainable businesses• UK media regulator Ofcom warning that traditional public service TV is endangered• Podcast hosts missing opportunities by not offering premium content options to compete with Patreon and other membership platformsSee if you can tell where Sam realises that he's got to go to another meeting.To support this show, visit weeklypodnews.net or stream sats. Subscribe to our newsletter at podnews.net for daily updates.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We have interviews with James Burtt from the newly-launched Pivot Productions; Liam Heffernan from Mercury Podcast Network who has just announced a new partnership with the Student Radio Association; and founder & CEO Will Malnati of At Will Media on taking IP from podcasts into other platforms.Plus - weekly podcast listening in the US has reached a staggering 773 million hours according to new data from Edison Research. This robust metric provides a more meaningful measurement than percentage reach, showing the growing intensity of podcast consumption while enabling better cross-media comparison.• Audioboom acquires UK podcast company Adelicious, maintaining both brands to serve different market segments• YouTube announces plans to demonetize inauthentic AI-generated content, raising questions about disclosure standards• New and updated podcast apps include Campfire (German), Fountain and PodhomeCheck us out at podnews.net for daily updates from across the podcast industry. If you want to support this show, visit weeklypodnews.net to become one of our valued power supporters.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Interviews with the Golden Lobes, Adelicious, and the Podcast Standards Project - all in the chapters! Plus:• NPR adding support for the funding tag across all its shows, enabling direct audience support• Updates to podcast linking services with Nathan Gathright regaining control of Podlink from Spotify• The inaugural Golden Lobes awards celebrating the funniest people, podcasts, and moments in the industry• Cheerful Earful festival expanding globally to New York, London, and Melbourne• Detailed discussion on HLS video implementation challenges for podcasting• Growing international markets with India emerging as the third largest podcast market globally• Exploration of podcast certification standards and what they actually measureIf you get value from this show, please support us with a monthly contribution at weekly.podnews.net or by streaming Sats, leaving a super comment, or using the Buzzsprout fan mail link in our show notes.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Apple celebrates twenty years of podcasting in the Apple ecosystem - and Jon Savage asks for help with his podcast studio in Cape Town. Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net