New research on podcast newsletters as an audience-growth tool has direct relevance for Christian podcasters seeking closer, algorithm-free contact with listeners.
Industry research cited by Sounds Profitable’s Tom Webster finds that podcast-specific newsletters are among the most valuable assets a podcaster can build, with most subscribers reporting they have listened to an episode because of one. Separate Ofcom research on UK media habits shows over half the population listens to speech audio such as podcasts, with strong reach among younger adults. For Christian podcasters and media organisations, the finding points to newsletters as a direct line to listeners that does not depend on algorithms or third-party platforms. This matters for churches and Christian producers weighing how to build sustained audiences beyond a single episode or platform.
ECMS 2026 found that 44 per cent of under-35s in the Netherlands and Belgium sample reported listening to Christian podcasts, compared with 21 per cent of over-55s, suggesting any growth tactics aimed at younger audiences may find fertile ground, though the two findings are not directly comparable.
Source: ECMS 2026