Audio Ink

Spreaker & BlogTalkRadio have announced a merger of the two companies. The combined entity will consist of more than 50,000 podcasts, millions of listeners, and a suite of creation and monetization technologies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. No word on what the new name of the merged company will be.

AirKast announced Thursday night that it has developed and will be providing free Alexa skills for all its customers -- including over 800 North American radio stations, syndicated radio hosts and podcasters.

PodcastOne has promoted Jim Ballas to VP of Technology and Operations. In Ballas’ expanded role, he will oversee network digital initiatives and sales operations, including the website, app, ad insertion, virtual reality and reporting metrics. He'll report to CEO, Jim Berk.

Omny Studio has signed an agreement with CBS Radio giving CBS a license to the Omny Studio platform. CBS Radio will now be able to use Omny Studio’s podcast hosting, analytics and social sharing tools. CBS Radio has over 350 podcasts.

The iHeartRadio for GM app integration with General Motors will be available in select 2018 Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles, including the just-released Chevy Traverse. Drivers can choose from thousands of live broadcast radio stations nationwide and create their own commercial-free Custom Artist Stations

Podcast Movement 2017 runs August 23-25 at the Anaheim Marriott in California this year and the Jacobs Media’s “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” track is scheduled for Thursday, August 24. The sessions will focus on how radio companies, stations, and personalities can succeed in this emerging space.

It’s called Loving Animals and will be hosted by American Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. Produced through a partnership between United Stations Radio Networks and publishing, pet food, and media company Chicken Soup for the Soul®, Loving Animals delves into all aspects of human interaction with animals,

The podcast giant has hired Dean Canter as their new National Sales Manager. In his new role, Canter will oversee all regional sales offices for the company, in addition to developing strategic initiatives, innovating new advertiser opportunities, and driving industry trends in the rapidly-growing podcast market.

Triton's May ranker is in and it states that total listening for all publishers showed positive listening gains when compared to May 2016, with an 11.22% increase in Average Active Sessions M-F 6AM-8PM and a 13.46% increase M-SUN 6AM to Midnight. Total weekday listening was steady at 5.34 million. What was the hottest format and where were people listening the most? Let's find out...

Chris Firmage will be joining the company’s consulting team in the role of Associate Consultant. He will provide support in several different areas, ranging from promotion development, music analysis, to research and more. Firmage moves to Jacobs after a long run at KFMA in Tucson.