China-based streaming service QQ Music has reportedly turned a profit. One of the platform’s general managers shared the update at an event this week, although owner Tencent has not made any formal statement confirming it. This is a noteworthy development both for the Chinese market and for streaming at large, where many western companies have struggled to get into the black. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Amazon Q2 results stay strong; Apple’s Services revenue on the rise; Apple vs Spotify. Continue Reading
New Edison research commissioned by NextRadio investigated why listeners are so dedicated to radio, even as digital music services gain traction. The central reasons for radio’s continued presence are portability, community roots, and music programming. Continue Reading
Omny Studio and RAIN News are partnering to produce a free webinar: Beyond the Download: A Deeper Understanding of Podcast Listening. Register now for Tuesday, August 16 at 4pm EDT. the illuminating session will be presented by Matt Saraceni, Head of Content at Omny Studio. Continue Reading
Pandora has announced a technology solution to the problem of in-stream video and display ads being delivered to listeners who aren’t watch their screens. Through partnering with technology provider Moat, Pandora can assure advertisers of 100% in-view impressions in mobile and desktop listening, in accordance with MRC (Media Rating Council) standards. To understand just what this means technically, and to Pandora advertisers, we spoke with Chris Record, Pandora’s VP of Revenue Operations. Continue Reading
MIDiA Research has released a report on YouTube and the video platform’s impact on the music economy. With YouTube commanding a massive audience, but still drawing criticism and skepticism from artists and labels, the report adds much-needed data to explain the service’s role. “Safe Harbour-enabled UGC is no longer the threat it once was, with just 2% of music video views from unofficial uploads,” it says. Continue Reading
France’s industry body SNEP announced that its albums chart will begin counting streams. All plays from both ad-supported and subscription tiers will be included in the calculation, although the most-streamed track from an album will be down-weighted to half its streaming total. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Deezer targeting profitability in two years; podcasts as networking resource; Spotify’s Kevin Brown says the charts are not boring Continue Reading
The National Music Publishers Association and the Nashville Songwriters Association International have moved to block Sony Music Entertainment from participating in the new round of Copyright Royalty Board proceedings. After setting webcasting rates for the 2016-2020 period, the CRB will next consider mechanical royalties that will apply to interactive music services for 2018-2022. Continue Reading
NPR is taking steps to deal with its generational programming crisis, announcing that Car Talk will be moved off the lot in September 2017, five years after the show ended new production. With Prairie Home Companion also ending, NPR faces audience development challenges and opportunities. Continue Reading
Apple Music is growing its original video programming. The streaming service has purchased the rights to a new spin-off series based on Carpool Karaoke, the video segment from The Late Late Show with James Corden. The British comedian won’t host the new episodes, but he is attached as an executive producer. Continue Reading
Warner Music Group announced a partnership with streaming video service Vadio. This deal will see Vadio and its distribution partners getting access to music videos from Warner’s artist roster. Continue Reading