Is Audio-First Still Podcasting’s Superpower? – James Cridland, Podnews

2025-07-19

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Welcome to episode 2 of AMPLIFY! Our guest is James Cridland, the Brisbane-based editor & publisher of the industry-leading daily briefing Podnews and a self-styled “radio futurologist” with 35 years in audio innovation. From launching the first mobile radio stream in 2005 to mapping tomorrow’s on-demand landscape, James brings deep insight into where podcasts—and radio - go next. Main Conversation:We explore how an audio-first mindset can keep podcasting distinctive while embracing new platforms, formats and revenue...

Welcome to episode 2 of AMPLIFY!

Our guest is James Cridland, the Brisbane-based editor & publisher of the industry-leading daily briefing Podnews and a self-styled “radio futurologist” with 35 years in audio innovation. From launching the first mobile radio stream in 2005 to mapping tomorrow’s on-demand landscape, James brings deep insight into where podcasts—and radio - go next.

Main Conversation:

We explore how an audio-first mindset can keep podcasting distinctive while embracing new platforms, formats and revenue streams.

What you’ll hear

James’ career arc – from award-winning radio producer and tech trail-blazer to the daily voice behind Podnews’ 7.2 bn-dollar industry coverage.
“Something for your ears when your eyes are busy.” Why that simple test still defines a podcast—and why the word still matters.
The video surge (and coming cooldown). Spotify, YouTube and creators chased higher CPMs; James predicts many shows will pull back once ROI reality bites.
Business growing pains. Lay-offs, shuttered apps (RIP Google Podcasts) and big wins: Acast and Spotify hit full-year profit while ad spend tops $2.4 bn in the US.
Niche power & community monetisation. From daily “Horses in the Morning” to B2B shows, tight audiences unlock premium sponsors, subscriptions and live events.
Mainstream milestone. Monthly podcast listening now exceeds 50 % of adults in the US and UK, with steady global climb rather than a hype-cycle spike.
Future bets. Stadium tours, branded merch—even SIM-card services—plus smarter pricing to avoid ad overload and keep skip-buttons at bay.
Radio vs. podcasts. How European broadcasters thrive by treating “radio” as every channel, and why US AM/FM’s narrower definition should be a cautionary tale.

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James Cridland