From Niche to Mainstream: What’s Next for Podcasting

Podcasting has evolved from an emerging format into a mainstream media powerhouse—reshaping how audiences discover content, connect with creators, and engage with brands.

But the medium continues to change fast.

Presented by NVTC media partner iHeartMedia, this fireside chat with Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, will explore how podcasting got here, what’s driving its next chapter, and what the evolution of audio, video, social media, and AI means for creators, marketers, and technology leaders.

From the rise of video podcasts and social discovery to the enduring trust between hosts and their audiences, this conversation will look beyond the headlines to unpack what’s really changing—and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.

What you’ll learn:

🎙️ How podcasting went mainstream and why the medium has maintained such a personal connection with audiences as it has scaled

📱 How video and social media are changing discovery, creating new paths for audiences to find shows and new opportunities for creators to build lasting brands

💡 What separates podcasts that endure from those that fade, and how the skills required to build a successful show are evolving

📈 Why podcasting matters for marketers, from the power of host-audience trust to brand partnerships, measurement, and integration with radio, video, and social

🤖 What’s next for the medium, including live experiences, major streaming platforms, AI-generated content, and the growing value of authentic human voices

Why it matters:

Podcasting is no longer just audio. Today’s biggest shows can span video, social media, live events, broadcast, and more—turning individual programs into multiplatform media brands.

For creators, that means new ways to reach and grow an audience. For marketers, it creates opportunities to build deeper relationships with consumers through trusted voices and content. And for technology and media leaders, it raises an even bigger question: What will podcasting become next?

Whether you’re building content, growing a brand, shaping marketing strategy, or simply watching the future of media unfold, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of where podcasting is headed—and what to pay attention to now.