New evidence that podcasting is gaining steam. First, CNN covered it. Next, Billboard Radio Monitor reports that Loyal Ears …
… a Michigan-based radio vendor that specializes in listener rewards programs, announced a new service that will enable stations to offer free or revenue-generating podcasts for their audience.
Links:
Tuning in to new radio trend
Firm Launches Podcasting Platform For Stations
From press release:
Loyal Ears President Jimmy Risk remarked, “Clear Channel’s entry last week (http://www.loyalears.com/cc_podcast.htm) into podcasting underscores the urgency for radio to connect beyond the dial. Fortunately our technology makes sure that Clear Channel stations won’t be having all the fun. At low cost, we’ll arm their competitors with everything they’ll need to spread brand and revenue by podcast and beat them to the punch in most markets. Biggest is never fastest.”
Mid-West Family Broadcast President/GM/Springfield, IL Glen Gardner commented, “This technology will give us several opportunities including the ability to compete directly with satellite radio. Our revenue model is based on research that indicates podcasting fans don’t want business as usual. We think people are willing to pay for many pods including edgy programming. Sirius is banking half-a-billion dollars on that premise. It will cost us pennies on the dollar.”
The technology provides radio stations with a platform for free podcasts with sponsorship opportunities or an on-demand model with download revenue. Armed with monthly research from Bridge Ratings, Loyal Ears will also offer a highly valuable advisory service offering new and exciting ways to advance commercial podcast efforts. Loyal Ears will roll out their client stations in April 2005. For more information, go to http://loyalears.com/podcast.php.
Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.
He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.
