Audio Ink

The hey, girl. podcast was created by author Alex Elle. During each weekly 30-minute episode, Elle sits down with women who inspire her, from friends to family members and anyone else who fascinates her. They share their journeys of struggle and self-discovery. Entering its second successful season, hey, girl. has racked up 180,000 downloads so far.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has released the organization’s first-ever buyer’s guide for podcast advertising, which provides insights into audience demographics, listener behaviors, creative treatments, ad formats, delivery and targeting, and ad effectiveness measurement. Recent IAB research conducted by PwC forecasts that podcast advertising revenues will top $220 million in 2017, an 85 percent leap from $119 million in 2016.

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.