SiriusXM CEO, Host of the "Crime Junkie" Podcast Discusses Audio Revolution During CES Keynote
A Fireside Chat on the Future of Audio: SiriusXM and "Crime Junkie" Steering the Audio Revolution
During the illuminating C Space keynote at CES 2025, the dynamic duo — Jennifer Witz, CEO of SiriusXM, and Ashley Flowers, renowned host of "Crime Junkie" and CEO of audiochuck — delved into the thrilling depths of technology and the transformative influence it's weaving into the world of creativity in audio.
Over almost two decades with SiriusXM, Witz has witnessed the seismic shifts in our listening habits. Yet, amidst all this change, the fundamental reason behind our fascination with audio has remained steadfast. "From our favorite podcast to a vinyl on your record player, we are deeply stirred and illuminated by audio" Witz proclaimed, "it keeps us connected, it cultivates camaraderie and alters our perspectives."
*[The Pulse of the AV Sector]***
Both Witz and Flowers share a profound appreciation for audio's power. According to Witz, audio yields immense impact and dominance. Its intimacy can traverse territories that other mediums cannot, and it fosters a bond that is elusive with video or other media. "The automobile is essentially an ideal playground for audio, nurturing companionship," Witz emphasized.
Flowers, who stands at the helm of the true-crime podcast universe and boasts an impressive title as the nation's top female podcaster, has never backed away from authenticity. "Audio is unequivocally significant and formidable" she opined.
One of the perennial challenges for podcasters like Flowers is staying unique and keeping the spark of originality alive in a world teeming with a multitude of audio options. Another hurdle is gaining visibility — in essence, how does a fledgling audio content creator capture the limelight amidst the cacophony?
As technology advances and algorithms start playing a more significant role, the chances of discovery increase. However, at SiriusXM, the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of audiophiles, who adore their genres and categories, work synergistically to forge bonds with hosts and contribute to the enriching tapestry of audio offerings.
Flowers mused that the main transformations unfolding aren't so much in the technical sphere, but rather in the business realm, such as devising strategies to mine through download data, analyze listener demographics, and design ad placements that resonate with listeners, all without impeding their experience. With podcasting still in its fledgling state and undergoing constant evolution, enhancing the accuracy of available analytics benefits both creators and the audience alike.
scn Newsletter
For AV integrators, resellers, and consultants, stay connected with your daily dose of top stories from the world of audio! Sign up below.
The annals of audio's evolution have traversed a serpentine path — from vinyl to cassettes, CDs, and finally to streaming, and now the treasure trove of audio is embedded within our pockets and vehicles. This ever-expanding accessibility and the lowering of barriers to entry have rendered audio creation more accessible, thereby sparking a symphony of opportunities for creators.
*[Shure Spotlight: Empire of Podcasting with the MV7+]***
"I aim not to be an influencer, but to wield influence" asserted Flowers, underscoring her commitment to authenticity and pinpointing the essence of her mission. And she has undoubtedly excelled in her quest! The bonds forged between hosts and their audiences deviate from the traditional transactional ties, transforming them into comrades, who share, celebrate, and grow alongside their favorite podcasters.
"One of the distinguishing aspects of the audio medium is its interactive nature" voiced Flowers, " we are no longer merely propagating this information, but engaging in dialogue with our listeners."
As with every burgeoning trend, AI is palpably impacting the future of audio consumption and production. Flowers remains staunchly loyal to the human experience and abstains from employing AI during the creative process. However, she does employ AI tools to aggregate and organize responses from her dedicated fan base, thereby paving the way for more efficient communication with her loyal listeners and developing a deeper understanding of their interests and listening habits. In essence, she uses AI to facilitate her audience's influence on her work, rather than leveraging it to manipulate the content or listener experience.
SiriusXM recognizes the primordial importance of human involvement in the creation process and revels in the role it plays in amplifying the voices of creators. "Observing the technology support and elevate creators is truly inspiring" Witz shared, "we are offering these innovators the chance to discover new audiences and pursue their dreams through the wonders of streaming technology."
Business and technology are integral elements in the revolution of audio, as both Jennifer Witz and Ashley Flowers highlighted during their discussion at the C Space keynote. Witz emphasized that technology provides opportunities for podcasters to connect with listeners more effectively, while Flowers pointed out that business strategies such as analyzing listener demographics and designing meaningful ad placements are crucial for podcasters' success.
