Adam Curry, the former MTV VJ who brought podcasting to the masses, is now pioneering a way to turn the mp3-compatible talk shows into a money-making industry. He is building a podcast network of 30
to 50 shows that will split advertising revenues, reports
Business Week. Two Silicon Valley venture capital firms like the idea so much they've pumped 9.8 million into the project. Curry's
group plans to offer advertisers a host of sponsorship opportunities, from on-air spots to whole shows devoted to a product or service. Many podcasters already devote the first 15-30 seconds of shows
to product sponsorships, for flat rates of up to $45,000 per month. Because podcasts are usually so targeted--users must opt-in to receive them--successful shows can charge up to $25 per thousand
listeners, which is higher than the rate at a NYC metro-area radio show. However, podcast advertising is still in its infancy, and many buys can in fact turn out to be bust.
Read the whole story at Business Week »
