Laura Fisher

Laura Fisher is an entertainment analyst at MIDiA Research, specialising in the industry’s interconnected landscape. A highly experienced consultant, Laura has worked on high profile projects in the media, entertainment and financial sectors. She has the proven ability to synthesise complex data into clear, actionable insights.

2024 audio consumer profile
Habits, platforms, and personas

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Laura Fisher
Apple
Spotify
YouTube
This report presents MIDiA’s audio consumer survey data with a view to understand the global audio consumer.This report is a compilation of the most recent MIDiA audio data. Key data in this report: Platforms that podcast monthly listeners use to access their podcasts, Q4 2024, global Podcast monthly listeners main ways of discovering podcasts, Q3 2024, global Total number of audio subscriptions paid for per consumer, Q4 2024, global Average weekly hours spent listening to audiobooks vs.
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The soft power of podcasting: how long-form audio is reshaping discourse

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Laura Fisher
Marketing Strategy
Podcasts
Audio
In an era where attention spans are dwindling and media fragmentation is at an all-time high, podcasting has emerged as an unlikely but formidable force in shaping geopolitical narratives. Unlike traditional news radio or adversarial TV interviews, podcasts offer a unique blend of intimacy, depth, and authenticity; qualities that politicians are increasingly leveraging to bypass conventional media gatekeepers.
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What will audiobook market growth look like?

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Laura Fisher
Spotify
Audio
Discovery
Key takeaways from this blog: Audiobooks are evolving into something far more than just a listening experience With its integration into the wellness sphere and innovations in immersive audio, the medium is carving out new paths MIDiA examines the evolution of audiobooks and the possibilities ahead for the growth of audiobooks Over the past couple of decades, audiobooks have undergone a quiet metamorphosis.
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UK media consumption Q4 2024
A mature market with niche growth prospects

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Laura Fisher
Streaming
Streaming Music
US
This report presents MIDiA consumer entertainment data across media, music, audio, and games. Key data and insights: Time spent and weekly active users (by format and platform)for streaming music, podcasts, social media, games consoles and more. All data refers to the UK only (n = 1,000) except for ‘all-country average’ referring to the weighted average of all nine countries surveyed.
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A case against video podcasting

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Laura Fisher
Product Strategy
Podcasts
Radio
Key takeaways from this blog: While video is at the forefront of entertainment, audio-only formats can be equally important for engagement Prioritising video-first podcasting risks dilution – favouring style, celebrity, and algorithms over knowledge and authenticity MIDiA argue that audio-only podcasting is not just viable, but vital: essential for meaningful, lasting connection, capable of combating consumers' growing screen fatigue Video is rapidly becoming podcasting’s default setting.
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Fandom reciprocity: Why sustaining a community requires give and take

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Laura Fisher
Fandom
Instagram
Music
Key takeaways from this blog: Fandoms are becoming two-way relationships, with artists like AJ Tracey and Maverick Sabre involving fans through grassroots gigs, remix contests, and fan-led tour decisions Fans want real engagement, not just content – prompting artists and labels to hire community managers and create spaces for fan participation The artists who give back will last, as true fan loyalty now depends on connection and reciprocity, not just popularity or scale The Outlander Magazine recently took to Instagram to issue a pointed challenge to artists and brands: you can only call your audience a "community" if you actively contribute to it.
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Public Service Broadcasting in the digital age: why differentiation is non-negotiable

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Laura Fisher
Business Strategy
BBC
Netflix
Key takeaways from this blog: Streaming platforms now dominate entertainment, resharping audience expectations for entertainment However, public service broadcasters still have an important role to play in the media landscape, offering trust in an era of misinformation MIDiA argues that, in order to remain essential, PSBs must lead with purpose and avoid trying to mimic commercial rivals The past decade has witnessed a fundamental realignment of the entertainment ecosystem.
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Music subscriber market shares Q4 2024
Full stream ahead

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Mark Mulligan, Tatiana Cirisano, Mark Qi, Olivia Jones and Laura Fisher
music subscriber market shares
Business Strategy
Streaming market metrics are bifurcating. Label streaming revenues were up in 2024, indicating a much anticipated slow down in revenue growth. Yet, at the same time, music subscriber growth was nearly double that of label streaming revenues for 2024. As is so often the case, there are many factors at play.
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Live and direct: lessons for streamers from the appeal of online radio

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Laura Fisher
Audience Insight
Music
Audio
Key insights from this blog: Online radio has a growing audience, with further opportunity to capitalise on what is missing from music streaming We explore why online radio is gaining popularity – covering the elements of loyalty, dynamism, and humanity – and explain how this connects to MIDiA's theory of bifurcation across entertainment In an era defined by the proliferation of algorithmic playlists and on-demand streaming, online music radio has quietly carved itself a future-proofed space in the audio ecosystem.
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