Why We Opened A Podcast Studio

This is an archived page from 2021. Find out more

Mike Hamilton is the Manager of The Rogue Media Network which recently opened a podcast performing space in downtown Waco to keep up with the demand of the growing podcast space. We caught up with Hamilton and asked him about why he opened the studio and if it makes any money.

PBJ: When and Why did you decide to open a podcast studio? Mike Hamilton: We were doing a live streaming show at a local eSports business here in town and had hosted some podcasts we were pretty proud of in the past. I was approached about starting a local podcast network and bringing on existing and new shows. We organized a shark tank type competition with pitches and judges for new shows to build the network. We gave away 10 shows with 10 episodes each that day and along with a few pillar type shows. We instantly had a stable of content to start.

PBJ: How are podcasters starting out able to afford studio time being that the majority of hosts are podcasting as a hobby. Mike Hamilton: A lot of our shows began as context winners or local organizations that wanted to get their voice out. We have more and more shows that are paying for studio time, but we also use injected ads and other types of advertising to pay for time and services.

PBJ: How are you getting the word out that you are there and people should come to your studio? Mike Hamilton: We use a combination of social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) in addition to live events and word of mouth. We’ve had several clients approach us because they’ve talked to friends and colleagues about our services and felt they had a story to tell as well.

PBJ: Did you pay for all the equipment yourself? Mike Hamilton: We did pay for the vast majority of the equipment ourselves to begin. However as we’ve grown, the money made from other services such as video, photography, etc has gone right back into the studio to assist in our growth.

PBJ: How expensive is it to have an actual podcast studio with all the expenses of renting a facility? Mike Hamilton: It can be very expensive, however we were able to partner with a local school and business people to help offset some costs. The school connection allows us to have students as interns and workers which helps us offset costs.

PBJ: Do the advertisers you call on understand podcasting and are they buying ads? Mike Hamilton: While we don’t have a team of salespeople yet, we do call on businesses to advertise and we have had a few come on the network. There is a bit of an education opportunity when we conduct sales calls or attend networking events.

PBJ: Are you making enough money to make this your full-time business/job? Mike Hamilton: While I may not be making “enough” money, this is my full-time job. I managed the network as well as our event space, and project development. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity and we’re planning on making the best of it.

Check out The Rogue Media Network HERE and reach out to Mike by e-mail at info@roguemedianetwork.com

Comments:

Antionette Blake - Mar 1, 2021

This is a great read and very timely, as we are about to launch a podcasting studio and training seminars here in Delaware.

I love anything that builds waco up. I will have to tune in now that I know about it