Melissa Kwechansky Cheramie

A busy morning in the podcast world as the IAB has released the 2023 podcast advertising study & iHeartMedia reported Q1 earnings. Let's dive in! First: IAB The headlines are simple: - Podcast ad revenue grew by 5% in '23, just shy of $2b (US). Yes, this is slower growth than we have seen previously (I can hear those misinformed headlines being typed as we speak!). If you look at the major players and their quarterly earnings over the last year, they all saw growth. So, what slowed down overall revenue? Simply, it was the middle & lower tier of podcasting. Brand dollars went to Spotify, iHeartMedia, SiriusXM, etc., increasing the delta between those platforms & the independent publisher. - But wait, there's more... Podcast revenue is projected to more than double its 2023 ad revenue growth rate in 2024 and is tracking to a total spend of $2.6b by 2026. So what does this mean? This means that podcasting remains very healthy and the best revenue growth opportunity in digital media for the foreseeable future. We're seeing increased revenue growth from all the big players, and those dollars do trickle down to the mid-tier, especially as they tap into existing marketplaces. All is good. https://lnkd.in/eCGxgnUs --- Now, onto iHeartMedia: Overall, the company made $799 million, down YoY by 1.5%. If you take out political revenue, they're down 2.5% (and the stock reflects that, down ≈31% today as of writing this... eesh). Their Digital Audio Group saw revenue of $239m, up 7%. Not bad! Thankfully, iHeart breaks out their podcast numbers, which were $91m, up 18%! If you remove podcast revenue, the digital group is only up 1%. So, like with SiriusXM, we see podcast revenue as the tide raising all boats. So what does that mean? It's the same story as SXM: a declining business focused on radio that is desperately trying to grow its digital initiatives to offset losses from its bread and butter. And podcasting is the only digital venture that is working—and it's working well! But will it work quickly enough? That's a tough one. Podcasting now makes up 11.3% of the overall revenue, which is tremendous growth but needs to be bigger to offset the rest. So, what happens? While the company tries to grow digitally as quickly as possible, it is also creating quite a valuable asset that could be attractive to an outside buyer. $400-500m/yr in revenue with an extensive podcast network, ad marketplace, and technology could be quite the bundle for larger companies that have yet to enter the podcast space... 👀 Never a dull moment! --- I'm the CEO and founder of DWNLOAD Media, a fund focused on acquiring majority stakes in podcast companies. With continued audience and revenue growth, podcasting continues to be the most under-valued medium, making it time to invest in audio. If you're interested in investing in the podcast space, DM me! #podcasts #audio #investing #podcasting #iheart #radio

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To build a brand and establish yourself as a #thoughtleader, utilizing #PR to create a strong and positive public image is paramount. There’s a certain magic to it. The right story, told to the right media outlet, at the right time, can shape mainstream conversation and shift public perception on almost any topic. The right way to make that magic for maximum exposure? A combination of proactive media and reactive media. Read more in my piece for Advantage Media a part of the Forbes Books Authority Network. https://lnkd.in/dhxErTgH

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Thrilled to have represented Vintage Faire Mall in a live segment on Good Day Sacramento in my prior role as a Senior Manager of Marketing. Now, as a brand strategist, I have the opportunity to discuss the powerful synergy between marketing and live TV with my clients.🚀 In today's fast-paced digital world, where personalized connections are key, leveraging live TV presents an incredible opportunity to engage with your target audience both dynamically and authentically. 💼 Live television amplifies brand visibility, fosters trust, and drives meaningful interactions with viewers through a more personal connection. In this case, with the host and I as their guide, I was able to provide an experience we were offering for a holiday activation. 📈 Here are a few key takeaways: 1️⃣ Real-Time Engagement: Live TV allows for instant interaction with the audience, fostering genuine connections and feedback. 2️⃣ Authenticity: Nothing beats the authenticity of live content. It humanizes brands, making them more relatable and trustworthy. 3️⃣ Targeted Reach: By strategically aligning marketing messages with live programming, we can reach our target audience at the right time and in the right context. 4️⃣ Memorable Impact: Live TV leaves a lasting impression. It's an opportunity to tell compelling stories and leave your audience wanting more. Not to mention, provide shareable content to the platforms that you control. 5️⃣ Call To Action: Provide an actionable next step for your potential customer. For instance, "Make Your Reservation" and pre-plan your visit. Let's continue to push boundaries and redefine the future of marketing together! 💪 #Marketing #LiveTV #Innovation #brandstrategist #adagency

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🚨Trend/Rant/Insight Alert🚨   Across almost every sector and industry, content production is moving in-house. I’ve seen a marked shift towards building out small to mid-level production capabilities inside major brands and agencies in the last six to eight months. From full-time, production and post-production ready teams to Creator-minded TikTok and Reels specialists armed with nothing but an iPhone and a ring light, companies are finding the investment and overhead worth it to ramp up their content mills.   I think there’s a few implications here. For one, the demand to increase speed and decrease the time between inception and publishing is real. Companies and marketing teams, especially for huge global brands, can see social trends come and fade before their processes and workflows can even be engaged, let alone capitalize on them. Smaller, faster teams, closer to the decision-makers give them a puncher’s chance at striking Trending gold. “Learn TikTok,” seems to be the “learn to code” for 2024 and if your marketing team isn’t hiring an in-house creator to be a TikTok machine, they’re one of the few.   And secondly, and likely what I think is truly driving this, brands and agencies want to hold on to as much revenue and fee as possible. Instead of outsourcing specialist contractors, vendors or freelancers on a project-by-project basis, they want established, known-quantity teams with consistent workflows, fixed cost structures and to minimize OOPs. When advertising and marketing budgets get tight, it’s easy to look at production (which is basically *all* OOPs) and see an easy area to trim.   I think there’s pros and cons to this approach. In-house teams can be fast, agile and will know your brand inside and out. They can also get stylistically stale and, at some point, cap out on capabilities and technical know-how. The upside of engaging a wide freelancer and vendor network is the ability to bring in new talent, exciting technologies and fresh perspectives regularly. Additionally, the vendor marketplace (hopefully) means there’s true competition on price and while revenue may be going out, it is (ideally) actually more efficient on a per project basis.   I think the most successful brands will balance a well-rounded internal team for regular, drumbeat content with an extensive network of freelancers and vendors for must-win moments and big swings. Going forward, it’s important brands that build in in-house production continue to train, grow and invest in those resources and not see it as a one-time hit to this fiscal year’s numbers. And production vendors need to understand what role agencies and brands want content to play and continue to bring innovative, efficient offerings to the table. It's never been easier to make great content and tell great stories. But who you choose to make those stories will determine just how successful those stories get told.

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Fourthmeal... the meal between dinner and breakfast. It's been almost 20 years since we introduced this crazy idea that didn't just elevate the business, but truly became part of the cultural lexicon. The team at FCB Irvine and Taco Bell realized that 'spice up the night' had done great things for the business, but wanted to provoke the fast food industry as only TB could. Strategically, we leaned into the fact that the food did more than just fill you up, but late at night it was more about 'feeding your carnivorous side' (aka the main idea from the brief). Since then, seeing how the business has continued to evolve, creative that pushed deeper into the role Fourthmeal can play in people's nights, and as the CBO said at the time... "TB is really just late night food we eat during the day". Remembering our crew that created this iconic idea... Chris D'Amico, Michelle Purcell, Teddy Brown, Sean Hardwick, Richard Pinnella, Cooper Olson... they've all gone onto great things, but this is one that I always go back to. #Fourthmeal #iconic #brands #creativeideas #business #latenight #FCB #advertising #campaigns #makingithappen #TBT #throwbackthursday #socal #creative #marketing #provoke #strategy #brandstrategy #creativestrategy #fastfood #qsrmarketing #qsr https://lnkd.in/e2xZZf3t

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Ah, the TikTok ban saga continues—the perennial “will they, won’t they” of the digital age. Just when you think TikTok’s final curtain call is upon us, it’s back for another encore. It’s the regulatory equivalent of a soap opera cliffhanger that just won’t quit. But let’s entertain the possibility that this latest threat isn’t just another empty promise. https://bit.ly/3Wz3L3o #recruitingmarketing #talentacquisiton #staffingmarketing #candidatesearch #marketing #SEOnews #SEO #socialmediamarketing #blogging #staffingfirms #staffing #recruiting #recruitingfirms

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As we wrap up this year's festival season down in Indio, CA it brought us an unexpected twist. While Coachella has long been the crown jewel of music festivals Stagecoach is emerging as a formidable contender and may have just overthrown Coachella this year. Here are just 2 of my thoughts as to why: 1. Genre Appeal: Country music has seen a resurgence in popularity, expanding beyond its traditional audience. Stagecoach capitalizes on this trend, offering a lineup that appeals to both country loyalists and crossover fans. With acts like Wiz Khalifa, Post Malone, Marshmello and so many others showing up there are more eyes on country music than arguably ever before. 2. Audience Experience: With a reputation for a more relaxed atmosphere, Stagecoach offers a different kind of festival experience that might be attracting those looking for something more laid-back than the high-energy hustle of Coachella. As a digital marketing agency with a keen eye on entertainment trends, we at NOX Media are closely watching these developments. Understanding these shifts not only helps us tailor our strategies but also predicts where the market is heading. What do you think contributed to Stagecoach’s potential edge this year? Let's discuss below!

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Get the download about ID spoofing. Basis Technologies gets in the weeds of what this is about and why it is questionable in the digital ad world. From ADWEEK: "Data from demand-side platform Basis Technologies found that when publishers and supply-side platforms use techniques disguised as regular cookie-based targeting, conversion rates decline." Read more. Link is in the comments. #programmaticadvertising #dsp #digitalmedia

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🛫 🇬🇧 🎤 Heading to London for The Podcast Show next week! Looking forward to seeing old and new colleagues in the space and exploring how Jun Group can help with your audio audience goals. Podcasting is projected to grow over 12% across 2024 and I can't wait to meet and learn from the best in the business! #Podcasting #AudienceGrowth #ThePodcastShow

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Ahead of this major election, we're beginning to see an influx in diversified campaign strategies that blend traditional and emerging digital platforms like DOOH to engage with audiences. Given its targeted, dynamic advertising potential in public spaces, a programmatic approach can help maximize reach and impact while optimizing ad spend.

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Kendrick vs. Drake: Recent Developments and Impact on Search Trends Has any other Pulitzer Prize winner been apart of a rap feud? The ongoing rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has intensified with multiple track releases influencing search volumes significantly: March 22, 2024: Kendrick Lamar collaborates with Future and Metro Boomin on "Like That," challenging his status alongside Drake and J. Cole. https://lnkd.in/gQisbqT5. April 13 & 19, 2024: Drake counters with "Push Ups" and the controversial "Taylor Made Freestyle," using AI-generated voices of Tupac and Snoop Dogg, leading to its removal. https://lnkd.in/gFJwAdT8 This is when it starts to take off in terms of attacks, imagery, messaging, playing on titles, etc. April 30, 2024: Kendrick's "Euphoria" escalates the feud, significantly boosting their SEO and social media presence. https://lnkd.in/ga7qynnX May 3, 2024: Kendrick follows with "6:16 in LA," https://lnkd.in/gCTzVi5F and Drake responds the same day with "Family Matters." https://lnkd.in/g2ckYeNv May 4 & 5, 2024: Kendrick releases "Meet the Grahams" https://lnkd.in/guwys9N9 and "Not Like Us," https://lnkd.in/gJfxVafb with Drake replying with "The Heart Part 6." https://lnkd.in/gAcwQ3ZW This sequence of events has led to a noticeable spike in search volume, particularly following "Euphoria." As of now, Kendrick leads in YouTube search volume and the web search metrics are pretty neck and neck. For more strategic visibility, Kendrick's team could update their YouTube channel trailer and engage more actively with their community tab. That would just be my advice. #kendrick #kendricklamar #drake #disstracks #SEO YouTube Instagram #socialmedia #searchvolume #youtubevolume #YouTube #kendrickvdrake #pulitzerprize

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Beautiful title for this late Wednesday AdExchanger #ProgIO session: "Down With Blocklists! How To Support Journalism With A Nuanced View On Brand Safety." Advertisers claim they want to support all kinds of journalism and reach "niche" audiences, but their brand safety efforts (not just the providers) often hold them back. Typically the problem is keyword blocklists that are staler than five-day-old toast; ones that people keep adding onto, and no one ever removes things. Devon Christopher Johnson, Cofounder, BOMESI (Black Owned Media Equity & Sustainability Institute): We shouldn’t focus on exclusion lists, but inclusion lists. MFAs came about because people realized they could take advantage of a lazy system. We forgot about the value of publishers. (I add: Cuz we were obsessed with chasing cookies!) He adds: If you value true journalism, you should be buying directly from trusted partners. If you are blocking the word “slay,” you are missing out on reaching a very large subculture that uses that word in a completely non-violent way. Scott Gatz, Founder and CEO, Q.Digital: I challenge advertisers: do you know what’s on your blocklist? We run into gay, lesbian, LGBTQ on blocklists. And then you wonder why you’re not running on our site? Be aware of your settings; also blocklists should just be gone. The tech has moved beyond that. But there's a new threat: legit journalism sites being excluded because they're labeled #MFA. Scott Cunningham, Initiative Lead, NewspassID, echoes another ProgIO panel, suggesting that verification/brand safety efforts may be going down a dark path here. "The role of verification companies is very important, but if you’re saying 'low medium high MFAs' to advertisers, that’s like saying low, medium, high STDs. Are you going to accept low STD? No, you’re going to block the whole thing!" An interesting idea is discussed by all on the panel: is Open Path from TTD threatening to become a new walled garden, excluding high-quality independent news sites? Makes you go hmmm.... 🤔

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Digital PR is the science of reaching specific people with your news. Here is the latest in terms of trends...

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In TVREV, Magnite's SVP of Platform Revenue, Mike Laband, discusses the importance of user experience in TV advertising and how new ad formats like tiles and pause ads complement the streaming interface.

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Programmatic Ads And The Death Of Cookies: What Marketers Need To Know >> https://ow.ly/6rBu50Rjir5

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One of my main passions is preventing misinformation from spreading online, particularly about the elections. My company, Esparza Digital, has been working tirelessly with the Secretary of the State of NM to guide voters away from AI-generated voices or videos that communicate false information. WIRED highlights how much misinformation is online and how a "brand safety" market has been created to help businesses protect their image by controlling which sites run their ads. #AI #Misinformation #Online

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I’m a proud CA Valley native with deep roots in Visalia, California. 🌳 { Here’s how I would have rebranded this California town! LOVE! I hope you enjoy this reimagined Brand Identity System!} I grew up in Fresno, CA, but my weekends were spent in the city of Visalia, visiting my Grandmother and skipping over to Taylor Hot Dogs with every visit. My father grew up here, attending local schools and growing up on a farm off of Avenue 304 as his father was the Ranch Foreman. So when I saw that this vibrant central valley town recently went through a rebrand, I was taken back by the direction city officials took! 🥴 The original logo is cherished by the community. It has a traditional aesthetic that resonates with long-time residents, emphasizing the city’s history and the sense of community. But even in 2024, Community members agree that a Brand Refresh is needed to reflect what the city is today. The community, if anything, is not opposed to change and innovation. Unfortunately, what they got was a minimalist design, reducing the visual elements to basic shapes and colors. While modern, this approach may seem impersonal and abstract, losing the intricate storytelling that the original offered. Even worse, the responsible party responded with “🎶 Let’s give’em something to talk about…🎵” 😒 And as a Brand Strategist and Designer, that even made me upset! The discrepancy between Visalia’s original and rebranded logo underscores the critical importance of a strategic approach to branding. 💡Effective brand identity is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a visual representation that resonates deeply with the community’s values, history, and identity. ✨Rooting branding efforts in strategy ensures that the brand reflects the essence of the community, fostering pride and connection among its members!!! Happy to share BTS of my rebrand, the strategy behind the designs, and other use case mockups, and MORE! 👉🏾 Perhaps we can influence and change the fate of Visalia’s rebrand! Help me get this seen by City Official in and around the San Joaquin Valley, especially the City of Visalia!! LIKE COMMENT AND RESHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK. Thank you! @cityofvisalia #visalia #visalialogo #cityofvisalia

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I get it, Linear is a must. But how do we make effective decisions when allocating media dollars to prioritize the voters that matter most? ACR data demystifies the impact of linear and programmatic buys through accurate forecasting, reach measurement, and competitive intel.

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