Podcast Movement Opens Public Voting, AdsWizz Extends SoundCloud Deal in Europe & More

Today in the business of podcasting:Podcast Movement 2026, set for September 17-18 in New York City, has launched its first public voting process for conference sessions, with half the schedule chosen by community vote and half by a selection committee reviewing nearly 800 submissions.AdsWizz has renewed exclusive European audio ad sales agreements with SoundCloud and Sonos, extending partnerships first signed in 2021 and 2022 and covering SoundCloud's reach across 14 markets.Febreze is leaning on podcasting for its World Cup and MLS season marketing push, including a first-ever off-studio brand integration with What Now? with Trevor Noah filmed in an NFL soccer team's boot room.Mel Robbins talks with Digiday about AI in content creation, shifting ad dollars toward audio, and what audience ownership looks like for independent podcasters.AdExchanger's Cannes coverage shows creator and influencer marketing solidifying as the new normal for brands, a trend podcasting is well positioned to capitalize on.To find links to these, and every article covered in today's episode, click here. You can also subscribe to The Download's newsletter to receive the full issue straight to your email inbox every day.