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• How big is the global podcast market? Justin Jackson’s research website has increased its estimates. It suggests that 2024 saw around $3-3.4bn in global ad-sales; that the hosting business is worth around $100-150mn, and that podcast events and conferences are worth $15-20mn. The estimates don’t include YouTube. Sources are given: and it’s open for others to contribute. The IAB estimated US podcast ad revenue at $1.95bn for 2023.
• Google has launched a new tool made to “transform your content into AI-generated audio discussions”. And, in much the same way as the company has five different messaging apps, this one is called Google Illuminate AI, which seems to be much the same as another product from the company, Google NotebookLM. Some people suggest it’s a little better; we’ve noticed the voices sound a little different. Meanwhile, in Google NotebookLM, you can now talk to the AI podcast hosts, which you can’t do with the AI podcast hosts in Illuminate AI. There’s a strategy here, if only we could see it.
• Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is to switch from Pushkin to Lemonada Media. It will begin releasing episodes under the Lemonada banner on January 5th.

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