Episode 189: Jeremy Hobson is Bringing Live Radio to the Digital Era, Plus Google's Big Win in Court

Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi sit down with Jeremy Hobson, host of The Middle with Jeremy Hobson, to explore the shift from traditional radio to digital podcasting, audience growth, monetization, and the changing media landscape. Plus, Ari and Eric break down Google’s ad-tech remedies, OpenAI’s advertising growth, and Amazon’s alleged ad auction practices. Takeaways: Radio meets digital: Jeremy Hobson shares how The Middle combines live call-in radio, podcasts, video, and social media. Building a sustainable media business: Station fees, grants, crowdfunding, and advertising all contribute to The Middle’s revenue model. Google avoids an ad-tech breakup: Ari explains why behavioral remedies could still create meaningful changes for competition. AI advertising is evolving: Ari and Eric examine OpenAI’s advertising growth and why AI ads may develop differently from traditional search advertising. Amazon faces scrutiny: The FTC and 22 states accuse Amazon of using soft floors in its ad auctions, raising questions about auction transparency. Chapters: 01:04 Welcome to the Marketecture Podcast 04:18 Introducing Jeremy Hobson 07:03 Jeremy Hobson Joins the Show 08:01 Building The Middle 11:23 Radio vs. Podcast Advertising 13:25 YouTube Shorts & Podcast Growth 16:16 From Public Radio to Entrepreneurship 17:21 Building a Sustainable Revenue Model 21:43 Politics, Podcasts & the Influencer Era 25:10 The Future of Political Media & AI 28:29 This Week’s Ad-Tech News 30:01 Google Avoids an Ad-Tech Breakup 30:28 Ari’s Three Takes on Google’s Remedies 38:21 OpenAI’s Advertising Growth 41:01 How AI Ads Differ From Search Ads 45:21 Amazon’s Ad Auction Controversy 50:06 Closing Thoughts Guests: Ari Paparo, Eric Franchi, Jeremy Hobson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices