Vividata’s Spring 2023 Study of the Canadian Consumer indicates that 78% of Canadian adults (24.5 million) listen to radio/audio content in an average week, remaining relatively consistent over the past few years. The study found, however, that time spent listening is on the rise with Canadians now spending just over 13 hours on average per week with radio/audio content, compared to just under nine hours in 2021. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity reaching 29% (8.9 million) per week, up from 22% (6.8 million) in 2021, with listeners spending nearly an hour listening to podcasts per day. While trending lower each year, Vividata says conventional radio remains the most popular way to listen at 64% among all adults, compared to 76% in 2021. However, the audience for free or paid audio streaming services has grown from 43% to 54%, capping out at an even higher 66% for those under 35.
Ford is on track to drop AM radio from all vehicles manufactured in the U.S., beginning in 2024, while Volvo has already done so. Ford Canada has thus far not responded to an inquiry from Broadcast Dialogue on the automaker’s plans for Canada. U.S. Senator Ed Markey criticized the move last month saying Ford, Volvo, BMW, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, and Volkswagen – who have all removed AM from their electric vehicles due to drivetrain interference – have contravened the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) system for public safety alerts. Meanwhile, General Motors plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tech that allows drivers to bypass a vehicle’s infotainment system to play music off auxiliary devices, in favour of a built-in system, developed with Google, for future electric vehicles. As first reported by Reuters, GM will stop offering those systems in future EVs, starting with the 2024 Chevy Blazer.
@jackermann_news #CKWX marks 100 years of #radio#broadcasting in#BC ♬ original sound – John Ackermann
Rogers Sports & Media’s CityNews 1130 (CKWX-AM) Vancouver marked 100 years on April 1 since its forerunner CFDC Nanaimo signed on. Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Hall of Fame inductee Arthur “Sparks” Holstead started the station using a 10-watt Westinghouse Model TF transmitter, broadcasting a few hours each evening from his automotive supply business. The station began broadcasting from Vancouver in 1925, moving to use the CKWX call sign a short time later.
The Alberta Podcast Network, launched in 2017 to build audiences and advertising support for Alberta-based podcasts, is winding down its operations. APN President Karen Unland says the organization has reached “the end of the road” after distributing more than $125,000 to members in exchange for delivering ads over the last six years. Launching with 10 podcasts and an initial investment from ATB Financial, Unland says APN worked “as a not-very-profitable but still sustainable business” when it started, but the network has reached a point where it can’t afford to keep going with the changes in the ad-supported podcast business. Read more here.
Signal Hill Insights is highlighting new data suggesting that podcasting is reaching almost as many 18-34 year-olds as television. Signal Hill cites recent comparative advertising study The Medium Moves the Message from Sounds Profitable, it partnered in, which finds podcasting’s weekly reach among those 18-34 is now getting very close to that of AM/FM radio and network/cable TV. One-half (50%) of Americans, 18-34, reported listening to podcasts in the past week, just behind the weekly reach of linear TV at 54% and within 10 points of AM/FM at 59%. With a radio buy, Signal Hill says podcasts also reach the 12% of 25-54 Americans who aren’t listening to AM/FM.
The Stingray Podcast Network has launched The Hot Tub Podcast, featuring Mauler, Rush, Jenni & Brady from The Morning Hot Tub on Ottawa’s The New Hot 89.9 (CIHT-FM). The Morning Hot Tub also airs on Hot 105.5 (CKQK-FM) Charlottetown, Hot 101.9 Sydney (CHRK-FM), Hot 93.7 (CKWY-FM) Wainwright, AB and Hot 101.3 (CJEG-FM) Bonnyville, AB.
The Sonar Network has launched How Can We Help?, a new show by JUNO Comedy Album of the Year nominee Jackie Pirico and Mark Little (Mr. D, Gary and His Demons). On How Can We Help?, Jackie and Mark share unsolicited advice on how to improve your life. Got a nosy neighbour? A workplace dilemma? Or a love problem? Listeners are invited to submit their own questions and dilemmas for the comedians to weigh in on. Brought to you by the team behind My Gorgeous Son and This Is Rats Nest, special guests include comedians like Brandon Wardell (I Think You Should Leave, Curb Your Enthusiasm), Chris Wilson (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), Kayla Lorette (New Eden), and Michael Balazo (Schitt’s Creek).
Spotify is set to shut down Spotify Live, its Clubhouse-style live audio app on April 30. Launched in early 2021 with Spotify’s acquisition of audio-based social networking sports app Locker Room, and its creator Betty Labs, some of the app’s live shows will continue on as podcasts. Reddit Talk was shuttered last month, while Facebook’s live audio rooms wound down in December.
Canadian Music Week (CMW), together with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), has announced the new Scotiabank Arena Bursary Program, to be granted to 15 aspiring music industry professionals in 2023. In an effort to continue introducing new talent into the live entertainment industry, the program aims to provide an avenue for aspiring music executives to participate in CMW for the first time, learn more about the industry and build their network. Each recipient will receive a 2023 CMW Music Summit Conference pass and direct access to industry representatives through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings in the CMW Conference Mentor’s Café. Applications are being accepted online until April 30.
LISTEN: Kat Carter, aka “The Radio Nerd,” has established her entire brand based on knowing cool things about radio. She started The Radio Nerd in 2019 after a decade in the industry, and has since grown a strong following across her social media platforms. Carter shares, among other things, what caused her to eventually pivot away from working in radio to pursue voiceover work. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
The Pro Bono Group, a collection of advertising and media pros who offer radio creative at no charge to worthwhile organizations, has released the fourth and final PSA in its series supporting Canadian food banks. Entitled “Food Banks – Not Retail,” stations with questions can contact Mike Occomore (mikeoccomore@gmail.com) or Larry MacInnis (dlarrymac@gmail.com).
