Podnews Weekly Review

(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 notes Start podcasting, keep podcasting with BuzzSprout.com Send James & Sam a message Support the show Connect 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 attribution Start podcasting, keep podcasting with Buzzsprout.com Send James & Sam a message Support the show Connect 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 resilience Start podcasting, keep podcasting with Buzzsprout.com Send James & Sam a message Support the show Connect 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 loops Send James & Sam a message Support the show Connect 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