This guest column by Jeff Vidler, President of Audience Insights in Ontario, analyzes three important podcast attributes that give advertisers unique value. Engagement and Connection are key. The article also identifies a few challenges podcasting faces with advertisers. Continue Reading
Spotify’s second quarter financial results included notable growth in both its monthly active users and its subscriber base. The company now boasts 232 million monthly active users, up 29% on-year, and 108 million subscribers, a lift of 31% from the year-ago period. Continue Reading
In yesterday’s Q2 earnings call, Sirius XM executives mentioned Pandora 48 times, always with pride, optimism, and ambition — and a bit of detail. When it comes to podcasting, both Pandora and its parent company are committed to growing their footprints in the space, with tactical differences. Continue Reading
Google has updated its Android Auto in-car infotainment system. The changes include a greater focus on the Google Assistant voice AI. Several apps on the main screen have a badge noting their support for the voice platform. Continue Reading
Apple has shared its results from the third quarter of its 2019 fiscal year. Its revenue for the period ending June 29 reached $53.8 billion, up just 1% from the third quarter of 2018. The slight bump in revenue made this period Apple’s biggest June quarter to date. Continue Reading
In what appears to be a strategy which combines retention, attracting new shows, and expanding its network ad inventory, podcast host Spreaker has launched Spreaker Prime, a no-cost high-end service for podcasters who have attained a minimum audience level. Continue Reading
Sony Music Entertainment has published its results from the first quarter of its fiscal 2019. Total sales revenue grew 11% for the period to 202.3 billion yen ($1.86 billion) and recorded music sales also rose 11% to 111.9 billion yen ($1 billion). Continue Reading
Edison Research has been recognized with the 2019 Content Marketing Award for Best Use of Original Research in Content Marketing. The Content Marketing Institute bestowed the award for Edison’s work on The Infinite Dial 2018 research survey. Continue Reading
Sirius XM released its financial results from the second quarter. “Our company produced outstanding financial and operating results once again this quarter, and I’m pleased by the quick progress we’ve made in integrating Pandora,” CEO Jim Meyer said. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: James reflects on the value (or lack of value) in music logs for radio presenters. Plus, an artistic look at the past future from the more distant past. Continue Reading
Rick Brace is stepping down from the helm of Rogers Media after serving as the company’s president since 2015. He will retire at the end of the year. Brace will be succeeded by Jordan Banks in the president role, effective September 9. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Leading Apple Music’s next act. Podcast recommendations by DM. Streaming growth is still slow in Africa. Continue Reading