1 - 2018 - RAIN News

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Pandora announces layoffs, restructuring, and expansion of Atlanta office

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Brad Hill

In what Pandora calls a “redesign,” the company has announced a company reorganization that includes layoffs, a remapping of its key initiatives, and prioritization of its Atlanta office for growth even as its official HQ remains in Oakland. The staff reduction will affect 5% of Pandora’s workforce. At the same time, the company plans to hire for its new initiatives in the less expensive, talent-rich Atlanta market. Continue Reading →

Quick Hits: Looking at Yonder, smart speakers and radio, Radioplayer UK gets more Alexa

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Mark Mulligan on Yonder. Mark Ramsey on smart speakers. Radioplayer UK expands Alexa skills. Continue Reading →

PodcastOne announces employee bonuses

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Brad Hill

In a rare case of national politics reaching into the online audio industry, PodcastOne has announced distribution of $1,000 bonuses to all full-time employees. The company cites the newly passed tax bill which dramatically reduced the top-line corporate tax rate, and also a successful 2017. There might be another reason. Continue Reading →

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Spotify launches new app just for free playlist listening (Australia)

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Spotify has launched a new app designed specifically for listening to curated playlists. Stations, now available on Android mobile devices, appears to offer a lean-back listening experience. The app is free to download and use, no Spotify Premium subscription is required. Continue Reading →

Sirius XM posts Q4 net loss, but $5.4 billion in fiscal 2017 revenue

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Sirius XM has shared its results from the 2017 fourth quarter and full fiscal year. The satellite radio company posted quarterly revenue of $1.4 billion and a net loss of 37 million, or 1 cent per share. For the full year, revenue totaled $5.4 billion. Net income was $648 million, or 14 cents per share. Continue Reading →

Sony and Tencent team up for electronic music label

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Sony Music and Tencent Music have joined forces to launch a music label. Liquid State will focus on electronic and dance music artists both from Asia and across the globe. Continue Reading →

Commercial Radio Australia hires new head of digital

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Commercial Radio Australia has appointed Jaime Chaux as its new head of digital. In this position, Chaux will develop the industry group’s approach and strategy for the whole digital space, including podcasting and DAB+. He is currently head of Content for PodcastOne Australia. Continue Reading →

8tracks introduces audio ads to ease free listening limits

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Playlisting service 8tracks has been gradually pivoting its business model over the past year, and has been offering listeners transparency into the decisions every step of the way. The latest move is no different, as the company announced the introduction of audio ads and why they made the move. Continue Reading →

audioBoom to launch three new original podcasts in February

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Anna Washenko

audioBoom announced a new wave of original and co-produced podcasts joining its network. The company is also launching second seasons for multiple shows that it debuted last year. Continue Reading →

One month of Apple Podcast Analytics: How’s it going?

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Apple rolled out the beta version of its hotly-anticipated podcast analytics in December, meaning show producers have had about a month to collect and assess new amounts of data around how their work performs in one of the most important podcast platforms. Wired spoke to several industry leaders about Apple Podcast Analytics, and their early findings support the anecdotal evidence that podcast listeners are indeed deeply engaged with and supportive of their shows. Continue Reading →

Cabana adds another female-fronted podcast

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Anna Washenko

AdLarge’s digital audio division, cabana, announced another show joining its roster. One Part Podcast is hosted by Jessica Murnane, who uses the show as a platform to help women to improve their lives. The weekly podcast features conversations with guests such as former boxing champion, author, and fellow podcaster Laila Ali. Continue Reading →

iHeartRadio highlights new Justin Timberlake album with All Access preview weekend

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Anna Washenko

iHeartRadio is collaborating with Justin Timberlake for the launch of his latest album this week. The pop performer’s Man of the Woods album debuts on February 2, and iHeartRadio is hosting a special preview both on-air and digitally. Continue Reading →