Podcast Movement NYC reveals first set of speakers

As I delve into the world of podcasting, I'm often reminded of the people behind the mic, the ones who pour their hearts out to an audience of millions. For Greg Glenday, the CEO of Acast, this event is a chance to share his expertise with a community that's grown exponentially over the years. For Ainsley Rossitto, the brains behind beehiiv, it's an opportunity to showcase the innovative work her team has been doing. And for James Cridland, our Editor, it's a chance to learn from the best in the industry and bring those insights to our readers.

Podcast Movement has announced its first set of speakers for the event in NYC in September, and the lineup is impressive. Greg Glenday, the CEO of Acast, will be joining the likes of Ainsley Rossitto from beehiiv and James Cridland from Podnews. The event promises to be a hub for industry professionals to network, learn, and share ideas.

The sheer scale of the event is evidence of the growth of the podcasting industry. With tickets available now, it's clear that interest is high. But what does it mean for the industry as a whole? Tom Webster from Sounds Profitable will be unveiling new research at the event, shedding light on the latest trends and statistics. Will this research reveal new insights into listener behavior or advertiser preferences?## A New Era of Investment

The investment world is taking notice of the podcasting industry, and Alex Cooper's Unwell network has just received a strategic investment from WTSL, an investment firm. The exact figure is unknown, but The Hollywood Reporter estimates that Unwell is now valued at $500mn. To put that into perspective, the entirety of iHeartMedia is currently valued at $450mn. This investment is a vote of confidence in the industry, and it's likely to pave the way for more deals in the future.

The podcasting industry is in a state of flux, with new players entering the scene and established players adapting to the changing landscape. The recent deal between The Overlap and Disney+ is a perfect example of this. The UK-based podcast has signed a landmark sponsorship and distribution deal with Disney+, securing a spot for its Stick to Football show and a new show focusing on Manchester United. What does this mean for the future of podcasting? Will we see more collaborations between traditional media companies and podcasters?I predict that the investment trend will continue, with more companies looking to capitalize on the growth of the podcasting industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these new developments shape the future of podcasting.

As the industry continues to grow and adapt, one thing is clear: the future of podcasting is bright. With new research, new investments, and new collaborations on the horizon, it's an exciting time to be a part of this community. As the event in NYC approaches, I'll be keeping a close eye on the developments and sharing my thoughts with you all.