September 2024 News Roundup
This September we share the prospect of growth from the APA’s new International Summit of Audiobook Publishers and through a lively discussion from HarperCollins. Explore the details and debate surrounding Amazon’s announcement of their beta AI voice project and an AI bill headed to the desk of the CA Governor. Read about a comic book adaptation to audio from Macmillan Audio, National Book Tokens, LiveOne audiobook offerings, how listeners consume audio media globally, and how libraries expand their language offerings to create community hubs – and more.
International Audiobook Publishers See More Growth Ahead
The APA's new conference - the International Summit of Audiobook Publishers - saw publishers from all over the world congregate in NYC to catch up on industry growth. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Analog Adventures Fall Campaign: Tune Out the Noise, Turn the Pages
This campaign invites readers to take a step back and immerse oneself in the experience of reading (or listening to) a book. [Source: bookweb.org]
True crime to pop music: how listeners consume audio media
In new research, Kantar Profiles shared insights into how people globally consume media content like streaming radio, podcasts and audiobooks. [Source: kantar.com]
Transform Your Library into a Community Hub
Discover how Playaway’s award-winning products can complement your library’s collection with Spanish Language content. [Source: americanlibrariesmagazine.org]
The business of audiobooks
xigxag becomes first audiobook service to accept National Book Tokens
Alex de Berry, m.d. of National Book Tokens, said: “’We are pleased that ... hundreds of thousands of NBT card holders now have audio as an option." [Source: thebookseller.com]
Legible Collaborates with LiveOne's Slacker Radio to Grow Subscriber Base
Starting in August, the LiveOne application powered by Slacker Radio’s member base of over 4 million will enjoy access to a complimentary audiobook each month. [Source: thenewswire.com]
FEED YOUR EARPODS
Audiobook narrator Daniel Henning says TJ Klune’s writing got into his soul
Author Klune said Henning “was absolutely perfect” as the narrator for his Cerulean Sea books and, "audio narrators are the unsung heroes of the publishing industry.” [Source: ocregister.com]
AI considerations
Audible to Start Generating AI Voice Replicas of Select Audiobook Narrators
Narrators who opt-in will be able to construct their voice replicas for free and will be compensated through the ACX royalty-sharing model. [Source: bnnbloomberg.ca]
Can AI Replace Human Narrators? Amazon’s Audible Beta Sparks Debate
As AI technology evolves, finding the balance between efficiency and authenticity will be key. [Source: autogpt.net]
A bill to protect performers from unauthorized AI heads to California governor
California Assembly Bill 2602 would regulate the use of generative AI for performers — not only those on-screen in films and TV/streaming series but also those who use their voices and body movements in other media, such as audiobooks and video games. [Source: npr.org]
Interviews & Podcasts
Audiobooks are doing better than ever - just ask HarperCollins
Alisa Chang and Andrew Limbong in conversation with J. Whelan, D. Hoffman, A. Arndt and M. Cobb. [Source: npr.org]
Pulitzer Prize Winning Cartoonist Darrin Bell discusses THE TALK audiobook adaptation
The adaptation from Macmillan Audio features narration by Bell, his son Emyree Zazu Bell, Brittany Bradford and William DeMerritt. Read the transcript of a lively discussion of the adaptation process. [Source: comicsbeat.com]
Out of the booth
Listening to Audiobooks exceeding 160WPM While Driving Could Result in Fines
For drivers looking to enjoy audiobooks safely, Hawes recommends choosing titles with a slower pace or listening when the vehicle is stationary. [Source: whatstrending.com]