Getting Audio on the Media Plan

With over 10 years in podcasting, Jay was at the forefront of audience membership working with the IAB to create their current measurement standards.  Having held executive key strategic positions at PodcastOne, AdLarge, Cadence13, Audacy and now Soundrise; Jay was integral in evolving podcast operations through attribution, brand safety and the overall education and evangelism of the marketplace.  Jay maintains deep relationships on all sides of the medium and continues to speak at conferences, webinars and industry events.  He maintains a seat on the Board of Governors of The Podcast Academy and holds advisory positions with key partners.

Jay lives in NJ with his wife Devan and two sons.  When he’s not listening to a podcast he spends his time defending wrestling moves from his six and two year old, teaching himself Motley Crue on the guitar, coaching little league and cooking the perfect ribs.

Matt Shapo is the Director of Digital Audio and Video in the IAB Media Center where he serves as the IAB’s subject matter expert focused on all things audio and drives the center’s efforts to develop market-making research and best practices in the digital audio space. He works in close collaboration with members of the IAB Audio Committee and Audio Board, the IAB Tech Lab, and industry stakeholders in the publishing, creator, and ad tech communities to optimize frameworks for buyers and sellers of digital audio advertising to engage with consumers. Before joining the IAB, Matt served as VP of Digital Content for the All Access Music Group, a music marketing company and audio industry news publisher where he planned and led advertising, editorial, and other growth initiatives for AllAccess.com, a B2B website that delivers breaking news, data, and commentary to an audience of audio content creators, sales leaders, and programming executives. Matt holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Tufts University and an M.F.A. in Radio, TV, and Film Production from Florida State University.

Jen Soch, Executive Director of Channel Solutions at GroupM, oversees Audio & Local Video, DR, Publishing, and AdvancedTV. Her extensive career spans over three decades in media agencies, where she has consistently driven innovation and excellence. 

Previously, as Integrated Global Investment Lead at Mindshare, Jen spearheaded the Facebook Business, managing all investment channels including Video, Audio, Programmatic, Image, Search, Social, and Digital. Her strategic oversight ensured cohesive campaigns and seamless integration across channels and tactics. 

Jen’s impressive track record includes roles as EVP, Commercial at The Guardian, where she led U.S. Commercial Operations, and a strategic position at Domo focusing on analytics and investment. Her agency experience encompasses leadership roles at Ammarti-Puris, Dentsu-Aegis, MEC, and MediaVest, where she guided planning, strategy, and investment for diverse client portfolios. 

Jen spent over a decade defining the first addressable and digital marketplaces and launching inaugural advertising on video on demand, including OTT, CTV, and mobile platforms. 

Jen holds an MBA from Fordham University and a degree from Lehigh University. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a proud mom who enjoys ski jumping, and playing the saxophone. 

As the head of ad measurement at Wondery, Alyson Sprague builds measurement products that help advertisers measure campaigns and make data-informed media decisions. Alyson has worked in advertising measurement for 13 years, developing measurement solutions used by thousands of advertisers at iHeartMedia, Amazon Ads, and Wondery. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and enjoys traveling, reading, and attending live music events with her wife and 1-year old daughter.

Rich is Managing Director for Nielsen Audio, and a market & media research sales leader with over two decades of experience in Broadcast and Digital media research environments. His work spans all phases of business, from product launch to late stage. Rich manages a team of client service executives responsible for selling and servicing Broadcasters, Satellite, Streaming & Podcast platform providers, and Digital Publishers.  Rich also leads the Nielsen Advisory Council.


For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the impact of media on culture and the primary role it plays in society. I am motivated to work with my clients to create solutions that enable a better media future for all.