AI continues to be a hot-button topic in broadcasting circles. However, iHeartMedia isn’t shying away from its use, claiming the technology will play a big role in its podcast plans for 2024.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne shared that the company will continue to integrate the technology into its podcasting efforts, especially for translation and transcription services.
“It’s not just meaningful for the creators to be able to access audiences in the language they want, but also to actually build businesses in those territories,” Byrne said.
He continued by noting that iHeartMedia and its podcast partners will be better equipped to produce more content with the help of AI.
“I definitely think it means don’t slow down the launch of new shows,” Byrne said. “We continue to launch hundreds of new shows a year to test what’s working.”
Byrne predicted podcast revenue to see expansive growth in 2024, with revenues expected to reach roughly $4 billion by 2025. He added that packaging podcasts for sales will help both the company and creators.
“Podcasters can look beyond the amount of impressions they’re bringing to the table and start to package things a little bigger. We will be doing a lot more of that in 2024 for all of our creators.”
