5 - 2020 - RAIN News

Nielsen launches Gracenote Audio On Demand for intelligent podcast search

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Brad Hill

Nielson is announcing a new vertical for its Gracenote division: Gracenote Audio On Demand. The company describes this as a comprehensive dataset which is “the catalog of reference driving podcast services with the ability to enhance navigation and discovery capabilities.” In other words, Gracenote is doing for podcasting what it has historically done for music — catalog the entire medium with metadata. In this case the dataset identifies and locates podcasts according to topics, personalities, and other criteria. Continue Reading →

New leader tops the latest Latam Podcast Report from Triton Digital

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Triton Digital has published its Latam Podcast Report for March 16-April 12. The latest data saw a passing of the torch, with LOS40 MX – La Corneta dropping to second and O Assunto from Radios Grupo Globo taking the top spot. Continue Reading →

Spotify testing video clips to accompany podcasts

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Spotify has been stretching its definitions of a podcast with another new test. The streaming service is trialing video content for the Zane and Heath: Unfiltered podcast. The source said that the videos will only be on three episodes of the podcast, and that there will be no other designations in the app that any video is present. Continue Reading →

Sonos unveils new products alongside rough Q2 results

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Sonos has sent its latest shareholder letter with second-quarter financial results and some product updates. The company had a difficult period, with revenue down 17% and taking a big hit for sales figures. Continue Reading →

Cadence13 enters content partnership with mindfulness company Headspace

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Cadence13 has entered a partnership with Headspace, a company specializing in content for meditation and mindfulness. The pair will create a slate of new and original podcasts, beginning with the short-form meditation program Radio Headspace. Continue Reading →

1A radio/podcast show settles on permanent host: Jenn White

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Brad Hill

1A, WAMU’s successful current events radio/podcast show, has finalized its search for a permanent host. It is Jenna White, who comes to the Washington, D.C. station from WBEZ, Chicago where she hosts the station’s midday talk program Reset with Jenn White. Continue Reading →

Warner Music Group takes hits in Q2 financial results

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Warner Music Group released its financials for its fiscal second quarter. In the period ending March 31, The company posted a net loss of $74 million, reversing the income of $67 million in the year-ago period. The label also saw a slight dip of 1.7% in revenue, falling from $1.09 billion to $1.07 billion. Continue Reading →

iHeartMedia launches trio of SmartAudio tools for brand advertising amid COVID-19 recovery

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Anna Washenko

iHeartMedia announced that it launching a platform to help brands reach consumers during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SmartAudio COVID Recovery Program is a collection of three products aimed at helping businesses reconnect with existing customers and reach new ones. Continue Reading →

Les Hollander joins DAX as Chief Growth Officer

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Brad Hill

Les Hollander, veteran digital audio executive and frequent RAIN Summit speaker, has joined Globel-owned DAX as Chief Growth Officer. Hollander left Spotify in December after six and a half years as Global Head of Audio & Video Monetization. His career has included executive stints at Clear Channel, CBS, Pandora, and Gannett. At DAX, he will report to CEO Matt Cutair in New York and Guy Jones (Commercial Operations Director of DAX Worldwide) in London. Continue Reading →

New Deezer playlist collects podcasts “In Progress”

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Deezer has added a new quality of life feature for podcast listeners. The platform is rolling out an In Progress playlist, which automatically collects podcast epsiodes that a listener hasn’t finished. Continue Reading →

Spotify gets exclusive audio recordings of celebrities reading Harry Potter

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Anna Washenko

Spotify has a history of opposition to exclusive releases in music, but it seems willing to make exceptions for other audio content. The streaming service will be the exclusive home to the audio recordings of a star-studded reading of the first book in the famed Harry Potter series. Continue Reading →

POD DROP: Yang, loud sports, and another Covid-19 show

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Brad Hill

Pod Drop features new, interesting, and returning podcasts. Today: Andrew Yang returns in high spirits. A sports podcast made by radio production house Benztown. And another Covid-19 informational podcast from FiveThirtyEight. Continue Reading →