Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton spoke at the Code/Media conference, sharing the major label perspective on streaming and where it’s headed. He endorsed the concept of windowing, where fans can pay more for quicker access to content. Continue Reading
Indie music service Drip announced plans to close on March 18. For five years, Drip provided a platform for direct-to-fan subscription music. Artists and labels used the flexible service to distribute exclusive content to fans, offer discounted event admission, sell special edition merchandise, and more. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group reported its 2015 financial results, which demonstrated continued growth for streaming and subscription services. The two formats doubled their share to account for 24% of the company’s total recorded music revenue. Continue Reading
The most informative part of quarterly earnings calls can be the Q&A with investors, for the strategic story beyond the financials. Click through for insights, perspectives, and forward projections voiced by CEO and Brian McAndrews and CFO Mike Herring in last week’s responses to investors. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web, all focused on podcasts and podcasting. Read on for questions about podcasts vs advertisers; Nielsen talking audience data; and why Gimlet Media doesn’t have an app. Continue Reading
ZenoRadio, a specialist in radio services for the U.S. diaspora communities, announced the launch of an in-house broadcasting platform debuting today. ZenoLive offers audio broadcast tools with extensive interactive features for smartphones or laptops. Continue Reading
Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi is shuttering its streaming service Now. The company informed subscribers that its Now platform will close on March 17. No reason was given. Continue Reading
There’s a difference between interaction and meaningful interaction. Guest columnist Mark Ramsey uses examples from Mattel and Nike, applying them to the potential of radio. It’s about enabling possibility for listeners. Continue Reading
Spotify has expanded its listenership measurement study, produced by TNS, and today released results of a survey conducted in Canada. Like the European study, the Canada survey measures listening to terrestrial radio and to Spotify’s free online radio service, and demonstrates that Spotify’s audience provides incremental additional reach to radio advertisers. Continue Reading
In the latest expansion of its programmatic technology reach, Triton Digital has reached a partnership with Adforce.com to operate the a2x platform in several European national markets where Adforce.com will be the exclusive operator. Continue Reading
Vevo has been taking steps to differentiate its service from YouTube, and its CEO has said that the company is planning to launch a subscription tier for its videos. Speaking at the Code/Media conference, Erik Huggers said that adding a premium offering was likely in the future. Continue Reading
Today’s ambitious professional musicians have more ways than ever to find gigs and paid outlets for their skills. For instance, we’ve heard about Berklee College of Music students specializing in music for podcasts. A new platform has emerged in an effort to harness those creatives and put them in touch with potential buyers. Continue Reading