Never Post - State of Podcasting

Independent podcasting faces a precarious economic reality where the traditional CPM-based advertising model fails to support most creators. The industry, currently in a period of contraction following a pandemic-era boom, struggles with discovery and the lack of a formal, public criticism culture necessary to push the medium forward. While some creators find success through diverse revenue streams like grants, memberships, and production consulting, building a sustainable business from scratch remains statistically improbable for the vast majority. The shift from a collaborative "rising tide" ethos to corporate-driven silos has further fractured audience growth. Ultimately, the path to viability requires moving beyond reliance on single-show success, instead embracing collective support and creative monetization strategies to navigate an environment where even high-quality, award-winning content often fails to secure consistent financial backing.