Technology

Spotify’s podcast future isn’t very original

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2023

Spotify’s podcast future isn’t very original

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When Spotify announced yesterday that it would lay off 200 employees from its podcast unit and combine Gimlet and Parcast into a single operation, it came as a shock to outside observers. But former and current podcast employees at Spotify have seen the writing on the wall for some time.

“We definitely have expected for several months now that they’d be axing people since the vibe at Gimlet had been very much one of walking on eggshells for months now,” one former Gimlet employee who was a part of yesterday’s layoffs told Hot Pod. “Zero joy. [The layoffs] were more just a matter of when. The fact that it was yesterday, that was the surprise.”

“Zero joy. [The layoffs] were more just a matter of when.”

It’s been more than a year since Spotify first eliminated its namesake podcast production unit. Last fall, Spotify laid off dozens of Gimlet and Parcast workers and pulled 11 original shows from production. It began this year by axing 600 jobs companywide (including a number of ad and business jobs under Podsights and Chartable). High-profile executives such as content chief Dawn Ostroff (who steered Spotify’s podcast operations) have left. Prominent names, including Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, Brené Brown, and Esther Perel, have exited deals with the platform. Jemele Hill hasn’t left yet but is weighing other options.

As Bloomberg reported last week, neither Parcast nor Gimlet had received annual budgets, so they hadn’t been able to greenlight new shows or approve travel expenses. It was only this week that we found out Spotify’s reasoning for this: both Gimlet and Parcast will be combined to form a new Spotify Originals studio focused on original productions, which will include producing shows like Stolen, The Journal, Science Vs, Heavyweight, Serial Killers, and Conspiracy Theories.

Another Gimlet employee who was laid off noted that production staff — producers, reporters, and engineers — seem to be most heavily hit by the job cuts.

Both nonfiction and fiction shows were impacted. Spotify spokesperson Grey Munford confirmed that Case 63, which dropped its first season last fall, will be continuing. The show is produced by Gimlet along with Julianne Moore and Oscar Issac’s production companies, FortySixty and Mad Gene Media. Much of the Gimlet fiction team behind Case 63, the chart-topping fiction podcast starring Moore and Issac, is now under Spotify’s head of development, Liz Gateley, according to Munford.

As far as what Spotify wants the remaining chunk of Gimlet and Parcast to be doing, it appears to be along the lines of not getting in the way as it embraces creators and third-party deals. The company spelled out clearly that the next phase of its podcast strategy was to focus on creators and users, including the Spotify for Podcasters — the company’s ad and monetization platform.

“We know that creators have embraced the global audience on our platform but want improved discovery to help them grow their audience. We also know that they appreciate our tools and creator support programs but want more optionality and flexibility in terms of monetization. Fortunately, Spotify is not a company that ever sits still. Given these learnings and our leadership position, we recently embarked on the next phase of our podcast strategy, which is focused on delivering even more value for creators (and users!),” wrote Sahar Elhabashi, Spotify’s head of podcast business.

“They’re very different styles of production and development.”

The merging of Gimlet and Parcast seems to be an unnatural one, according to a number of former employees. Parcast, which Spotify acquired in 2019, focuses largely on true-crime podcasts, with shows like Criminal Passion and Criminal Couples. Gimlet is known for its lineup of audio journalism series and interview podcasts, as well as scripted audio dramas. Gimlet won its first Pulitzer Prize in audio reporting earlier this year for Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s by investigative journalist Connie Walker. A second season of Stolen has been greenlit.

“I’m not sure what folding Parcast and Gimlet together in one team means. They’re very different styles of production and development, so they need different kinds of support in terms of marketing, PR, development, and other skill sets,” said one former Gimlet employee, who left prior to this week’s layoffs.

Gimlet blew up largely due to its original shows, which helped define the podcast boom. Series like Reply All, The Nod, Heavyweight, and StartUp helped push the bar on what audio storytelling could be, and both advertisers and investors lined up to get involved. But under the leadership of Spotify, both Gimlet and Parcast struggled to find direction. Reply All came to an inglorious end just over a year ago, and Gimlet under Spotify hasn’t produced another equivalent hit.

The blame is at least partly due to Spotify’s inability to fully understand what it was buying for a combined total of roughly $300 million. Unifying Parcast and Gimlet was a good example of that.

“Our shows and content are very different,” said one Gimlet worker who was laid off yesterday. “The fact that Spotify is merging them so clumsily only further illustrates that they never really understood or appreciated either of us fully.”

The hasty merger and axing of original programming echo similar tactics from the world of streaming video, such as Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to combine HBO Max and Discovery Plus’ offerings into one streaming platform or Paramount’s decision to merge Showtime (which generates premium scripted series like Yellowjackets) with Paramount Plus, which is home to shows from CBS, BET, and TV Land — as well as live sports.

Such decisions reflect the reality of today’s cash-strapped streaming environment. Much like how Netflix would once go on buying sprees at Cannes and now makes reality shows like Too Hot to Handle, Spotify is moving away from pricey originals and embracing amateur podcasters and creator partnerships (not to mention its highest-value celebrity audio deals, such as that with Joe Rogan). In both cases, companies are trimming their original programming in favor of content that is cheaper to produce and generates more eyeballs and downloads.

Less prestigious content won’t make a difference to advertisers, says Max Willens, a senior analyst at Insider Intelligence. “I would say that advertisers will welcome this decision in the sense that it may give them more inventory to advertise against, possibly at a more attractive price. The longform, highly produced content that Gimlet made its name creating was costlier and took longer to produce, and often commanded premium ad prices, which advertisers sometimes chafed at.”

But for those who work in the audio industry, Spotify’s hasty exit from the world of podcasting and original audio journalism aligns with the behavior they’ve grown to expect from the tech company.

“[The individuals laid off] are some of the most talented, experienced producers in the entire industry,” said a Gimlet staffer who left prior to this week’s layoffs. “It’s disappointing that Spotify never understood that — and how to harness that creativity and experience.”

Audiobooks and podcasts may become a haven in the event of a SAG strike

SAG-AFTRA overwhelmingly voted in support of a strike if they don’t reach a deal with the studios, union leadership announced on Monday night. Although SAG-AFTRA is known traditionally as Hollywood’s actor union, its 160,000-strong membership includes DJs, news anchors, voiceover artists — as well as podcast hosts and audiobook narrators.

The looming SAG-AFTRA strike is with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and would only impact contracts bargained with them. Productions covered by SAG’s TV and theatrical contracts would be considered off-limits.

“Only productions that are covered by the TV/Theatrical Codified Basic Agreement and Television Agreement would be struck in […in the event of a strike]. Scripted dramatic live action entertainment production that is covered by the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contracts would be considered struck work,” wrote SAG-AFTRA’s chief communications officer Pamela Greenwalt in an email.

In other words, most podcast and audiobook contracts under SAG-AFTRA would not be considered “struck” work. This is in contrast to the ongoing WGA strike, where writing on scripted, fiction podcasts covered by WGA isn’t kosher and striking members are not allowed to work on non-union projects.

“So while work by any member (celebrity or otherwise) under SAG-AFTRA’s Audiobook Contracts would NOT be covered by a TV/Theatrical strike, all members will honor that action in the areas of work that are impacted should a strike need to be called,” clarified Greenwalt.

Which means that for performers looking to work during a Hollywood strike, the audio world may become their go-to destination. Celebrity audio dramas have certainly become in vogue lately, with the likes of Demi Moore, Chris Pine, Rami Malek, Matthew McConaughey, and others contributing their voice talents to fiction podcasts. Audible has showcased a number of celebrity-narrated audiobooks by Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Thandiwe Newton, and others.

It’s still uncertain whether SAG-AFTRA will even call a strike. The union is scheduled to start contract negotiations with AMPTP on June 7th. In the event that they’re unable to reach a deal with the studios, SAG-AFTRA can then take steps to go on strike.

Technology

Nearly 40 states back surgeon general’s social media warning labels

Published

3 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Press Room

Nearly 40 states back surgeon general’s social media warning labels

A coalition of 42 state and territory attorneys general is calling on Congress to pass regulation requiring warning labels on social media platforms. In a letter on Monday, the attorneys general wrote that the warning labels will bring attention to the “inherent risks” social platforms pose to children.

US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy first proposed the warning labels in June as part of a plan to avert the “mental health crisis” affecting young people. Attorneys general from a significant majority of states, including New York, California, Florida, Oregon, Michigan, and others, are writing in support of the measure, saying the move would help “protect future generations of Americans.” All told, the letter is signed by 39 state AGs as well as the attorneys general of American Samoa, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands.

The letter cites research linking social media use to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in young people, along with studies that suggest social platforms disrupt children’s sleep with “irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications” to keep them “relentlessly engaged on the platform.” The labels proposed by the surgeon general would be similar to the ones already used for alcohol and tobacco products.

But some of the underlying research on the effects of social media has been disputed, and these labels would mark one of the rare times that platforms for speech and communication have been required to post warnings to their users — with the exception of state-level rules demanding adult sites add unproven health notices about pornography.

“A surgeon general’s warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth,” the attorneys general said. “We urge Congress to consider such measures and continue the search for innovative solutions to protect our children in the face of emerging technologies.”

Technology

Selling on the internet? Beware of sneaky tactics scammers use to trick you

Published

4 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Press Room

Selling on the internet? Beware of sneaky tactics scammers use to trick you

Selling stuff online can be tempting. You don’t have to go out and hunt for buyers. Instead, you can just post an ad on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace and wait for people to reach out to you. But along with the ease of online selling comes the risk of getting scammed.

One of the popular scams to watch out for is the Google Voice verification scam. This scam preys on unsuspecting sellers by exploiting their trust and the convenience of online communication. Scammers pose as potential buyers and use seemingly innocent requests to gain access to your personal information. Their ultimate goal is to hijack your phone number and use it for fraudulent activities.

Here’s how it works: A scammer will send you a text with a Google Voice verification code and ask you to share it with them. If you do, they’ll use that code to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number. Once they’ve got that, they can use your number for all sorts of shady stuff, like identity theft.

Recently, I received an email from Allen C., a resident of Island Park, New York, explaining how he almost fell prey to the Google Voice scam. Below, I share Allen’s story, discuss the impact of such scams and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.

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A woman shopping online (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How scammers prey on innocent online sellers

Allen told me he was trying to sell an item on eBay when he received a message from someone saying they were interested in buying the item. The person asked for his number, saying she was at work and her husband would contact him. Allen gave his contact number, but then she asked him to share a code.

“At first I thought it was legit, but then she told me she needs to confirm I was real, so she sends me this code through Google Voice, it gave me a 6 digit code which I was supposed to send back,” Allen told me.

“After thinking about it, I was trying to figure out why she needed to know if I was real, when we didn’t even discuss the item I was selling! I did some checking and she started spelling words wrong, she said she didn’t get the return code, I know she did, she begged me to let her send another one. My research confirmed it was probably a scam.”

Allen realized it was a scam just in time, refused to give the scammer his cell number and deleted the message.

A woman shopping online (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

DON’T FALL PREY TO ELECTION SEASON’S CRAFTIEST SCAMS

What happens when you give the code to scammers

Once you provide scammers with your Google Voice verification code, they can create a Google Voice number that is linked to your phone number. This gives them significant control over a virtual phone number associated with your real one, which poses serious risks.

One of the main dangers is that scammers can intercept verification codes sent by banks and financial institutions. When these institutions send a verification code to authorize a transaction, it may be redirected to the scammer’s Google Voice number instead of your phone. This allows the scammer to authorize fraudulent transactions, reset passwords and gain access to your financial accounts, effectively bypassing your security measures.

Additionally, by controlling a number linked to your identity, scammers can engage in identity theft. They may open a new credit card or loan account in your name, impersonate you to access other services that rely on phone verification and exploit your phone number as a recovery option for various accounts.

Furthermore, scammers can use the Google Voice number to conduct additional scams while appearing to have a legitimate U.S.-based number. This tactic helps them hide their true identity and makes it more challenging for authorities to trace their actions.

Ultimately, by gaining control of a number associated with your identity, scammers acquire a powerful tool that undermines common security measures that rely on phone verification. This can lead to financial losses, damage to your credit score and a complicated process of reclaiming your identity and securing your accounts.

TV HOST ANDY COHEN SWINDLED IN COSTLY BANK SCAM: HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM YOURSELF

A woman selling stuff online (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A MOVING SCAM VICTIM

How to reclaim your Google Voice number?

If you’ve given a scammer the verification, your linked number has been claimed, and someone else is using that number with another Voice account. If you still own the linked number, you can reclaim it by following these steps:

On your computer, go to voice.google.com.
Click Settings in the upper right corner.
Under Linked numbers, click New linked number, then enter the phone number to link
To verify your number, Google will provide a six-digit code. For a mobile number, click Send Code to review the code in a text message. If it’s a landline, click verify by phone link and then Call.
Enter the code and click Verify, then Claim

4 other ways to protect yourself from such scams

Scammers don’t only use Google Voice to scam you. They have plenty of other tactics, such as making you install malware to steal your data and passwords. Below are some tips to avoid getting scammed.

1) Check the email address: When you’re trying to sell something online, scammers might reach out to you via email and try to get you to click on malicious links. These links may look harmless, but they can give scammers access to your device and important data. Do not click on any links or attachments in the email and do not reply to it. Remember, you don’t need to click any links to sell an item online.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Avoid the sense of urgency: Many online selling scams create a sense of urgency or panic to trick you. Scammers might tell you that there’s a problem with your account, claim that you owe money, suggest that there’s an issue with your listing or even offer you a prize.

They may pressure you to act quickly, asking you to send money, provide personal information or buy gift cards. Don’t let them rush or pressure you. Take a moment to think carefully before you respond. If you’re unsure, consult someone you trust, such as a friend, family member or financial adviser. Remember, legitimate buyers or platforms will never ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

3) Verify buyer or seller’s identity: If you receive a message or call from someone claiming to be a buyer, a platform representative or an organization related to your online sale, don’t trust them blindly. Scammers may use fake names, phone numbers or email addresses to deceive you. They might also have some information about you, such as your name or listing details, which doesn’t mean they are legitimate. This information could be obtained from public sources or previous scams.

Do not provide any additional personal information, such as your bank details, password or Social Security number. Avoid agreeing to any unusual requests, like sending money, buying gift cards or sharing codes. Instead, verify their identity by contacting the organization or platform directly using a known, official contact method. You can also check the organization’s website for any alerts or warnings about scams.

4) Invest in personal data removal services: Removing yourself from the internet is an important step in protecting your personal information from scammers and cybercriminals. Even if you’re not selling anything online, removing your personal information from the web is crucial. This prevents scammers from obtaining your data to make fraudulent calls or create convincing scams. By limiting your online presence, you reduce the chances of scammers finding and exploiting your personal details. Additionally, deleting yourself from the internet ensures that scammers cannot access your personal information to call you or make you believe they have some of your credentials, making their scams seem legitimate.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

ALERT: 4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH

Kurt’s key takeaway

Selling items online can be easy, but it comes with risks, such as the Google Voice scam. If someone asks you for a verification code or personal details during a sale, be extra cautious. Always verify their legitimacy and use official channels for communication. Only use trusted platforms to sell anything online and take steps to protect yourself from identity theft, which can impact your finances for years.

Have you ever fallen victim to an online scam? What did you learn from the experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Huawei’s new tri-fold phone costs more than a 16-inch MacBook Pro

Published

11 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Press Room

Huawei’s new tri-fold phone costs more than a 16-inch MacBook Pro

After weeks of teasing, Huawei has officially launched the world’s first dual-hinged, triple-screen foldable phone and it’s just as expensive as we feared. In China, prices for the Mate XT Ultimate Design start at 19,999 yuan (about $2,809) for the 256GB storage model — that’s roughly $300 more than a brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro.

All models are equipped with 16GB of RAM, and two additional storage variants are available that cost 21,999 yuan (about $3,089) for 512GB and 23,999 yuan (about $3,370) for 1TB. Chinese retailer Vmall reported 3.7 million preorders before pricing was announced.

The Mate XT features an inverse dual-hinge design that folds in a “Z” shape, allowing it to be used in a variety of formats. The OLED display measures 6.4-inches when fully collapsed as a traditional single-screen device. When fully unfolded, that display increases to 10.2-inches (2,232 x 3,184) and can still be used when partially unfurled in a smaller 7.9-inch configuration.

The device comes with a 5,600mAh battery and supports 66W of wired charging or 50W wirelessly. There’s a triple camera setup located on the rear that consists of a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel periscope camera. The hole-punch selfie camera on the front is 8 megapixels, and located on the left-most screen when the device is fully unfolded.

We’ve reached out to Huawei to ask about availability outside of China, but we’re not holding out hope.