UPDATE: The social media juggernaut spoke to Billboard following yesterday’s leak at Music Ally, which alleged that Facebook is planning a video service to compete with YouTube and a pure music service to compete with Spotify. Facebook said in a statement that it has “no plans to go into music streaming.” Continue Reading
Australian Minister for Communications Malcom Turnbull released a report with recommendations for creating a digital radio planning committee in charge of rolling out DAB+ outside of the major metropolitan areas. Commercial Radio Australia and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia voiced support for this step toward increasing DAB+ coverage. This new report sees digital radio as a supplement to broadcasting rather than a replacement, at least for the near future. Continue Reading
7digital announced its half-year business developments. The company’s overall revenue rose 3% to about £5.2 million for the period. In the earnings discussion, the 7digital’s leaders talked about their efforts to shift core business away from music download platforms in favor of streaming services and how that success was reflected in its positive financial performance. Continue Reading
In a partnership with AT&T, iHeartRadio is now available on the telecom giant’s U-verse enhanced TV platform. The integration is another building block toward making the television an in-home audio device alongside WiFi-connected speakers. Continue Reading
Research firm MusicWatch has released new data from its Annual Music Study, conducted in April. A professor at Monmouth University crunched the MusicWatch survey results to arrive at a snapshot of how college students are listening to music. Continue Reading
TuneIn announced two deals this week that bring new radio stations to its listeners. First, it has partnered with the famed Newport Folk Festival to launch a radio station featuring the artists on this year’s lineup. The company has also launched a new station in partnership with Spaceland Presents. Continue Reading
With the entry of Apple Music into the streaming industry, many have wondered whether the backing of the tech giant would be enough to challenge Spotify’s dominant position. After the first week, it’s looking like no. Continue Reading
In 2015 the RAIN Internet Radio Awards celebrate their 6th year as the most prestigious celebration of excellence in the online audio industry. Submissions are now being accepted. There is no charge. Continue Reading
Saavn announced that it has raised $100 million in Series C funding. This new financing brings the Indian streaming company’s valuation to $300-$400 million. The round is expected to go toward scaling the service and expanding into video. Continue Reading
SESAC is purchasing the Harry Fox Agency from the National Music Publishers’ Association. The acquisition unites performance and mechanical rights under SESAC’s umbrella of services, a unique development in the industry. Continue Reading
Microsoft has renamed its Xbox Music service to Groove. The previous name had caused confusion among potential listeners, many of whom thought that the service required an Xbox game console. “Groove” is a more accessible name for listeners who don’t have the gaming hardware. But the rebrand also seems to be part of a broader effort to update Microsoft’s entertainment offerings to keep pace with existing services. Continue Reading
adStream is an ongoing journal of news and observations in streaming audio advertising.
Just as you’ve probably seen a Home Depot commercial if you watch live TV, you’ve probably heard a Squarespace ad if you’re an avid podcast listener. Anecdotal evidence is now supported by a study of podcast sponsorship. Continue Reading