This week, we react to two articles that caught our eye — each of which deals with a topic we’ve discussed recently here on The Showrunner.<br /><br />First, we discuss this article from Nieman Lab (<a href="http://www.niemanlab.org/2018/11/consumers-love-smart-speakers-they-dont-love-news-briefings-on-smart-speakers-at-least-not-yet/)" rel="noopener">http://www.niemanlab.org/2018/11/consumers-love-smart-speakers-they-dont-love-news-briefings-on-smart-speakers-at-least-not-yet/)</a>: Consumers love smart speakers. They don’t love news on smart speakers. (At least not yet.)<br /><br />You may recall in episode we discussed a handful of reasons why short-form podcasts are a major growth opportunity. This article lends further credence to that idea … though we both urge caution before you think about just jumping right into producing one.<br /><br />Then, we discuss this article from Ahrefs (<a href="https://ahrefs.com/blog/podcast-advertising/)" rel="noopener">https://ahrefs.com/blog/podcast-advertising/)</a>: Podcast Advertising: $51,975 Spent. Here’s What We Learned.<br /><br />In episode 138 we discussed tips for striking a win-win-win deal with a new sponsor. This article provides a unique view of the sponsorship process from the perspective of the sponsor.