“marketers are…more comfortable with creative formats and going beyond host-read podcast ads.”
Thank God! I HATE host-read ads. Way back in 1999, YML was creating “traditional” ads for the show. I avoided host-read stuff as much as possible. I’m probably old school but I think traditional ads are more authentic.
@KingShawn I will say that I enjoy host-read ads in tech podcasts where the podcast host(s) actually uses the product (like @atpfm where @marcoarment host-reads an ad for #Hover or #Linode) because I know Marco uses those companies and I know he wouldn't put his name on the line for a bad tech company.
As for the others where they just give the hosts money and free things, no, I don't like host-read ads. Feels "off" somehow. Like those 1950's cigarette ads that Lucy would do or something.