Universal Music Group posted its financial results for 2016. The company reported total revenue of nearly €5.27 billion ($5.83 billion) and total recorded music revenue of €4.19 billion ($4.63 billion). Streaming revenue outpaced physical music sales for the first time at UMG. Continue Reading
PRX and iHeartRadio are collaborating on a day of live podcast performances at SXSW. Podcasts are usually put through re-recording and editing in order to get a polished final episode, so the trend of live recordings poses a challenge for the producers. Continue Reading
Gracenote has launched connected databases for video, music, and sports metadata. By connecting these three topics, Gracenote makes a broad set of information available to global entertainment providers and makers of smart devices. Continue Reading
Pandora has entered into a partnership with A Million Ads, in a deal to give marketers two new tools for reaching the audio platform’s listeners. The two companies will deliver real-time personalized creative audio at scale, with ads that can take location, time of day, and weather. Continue Reading
RadioPublic, a mobile podcast listening app, is launching a discovery feature called Podcast Playlists. Each playlist is themed by topic or activity, and they are programmed by podcast experts, producers, and listeners with episodes from across different shows. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Andy Bowers talks podcasting’s future. Alex Da Kid discusses independent music companies. Continue Reading
The North American Broadcasters Association has released a position paper supporting the creation of a North American Digital Radio Standard. Based on its analysis, the group has determined that a voluntary digital radio broadcast standard would be beneficial to both listeners and broadcasters. Continue Reading
Two search engines have signed on for a voluntary code of practice that would make it harder for people to find illegal streaming and download sites. Both Google and Microsoft have signed on for this code, although neither has agreed to take specific action yet. Continue Reading
PayPal led a survey about digital media consumers. The global survey covered 10 markets and about 10,000 consumers about their digital media habits. According to the results, 86% of music consumers listen on their smartphones, making it the top hardware choice for listening. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a partnership with Univision designed to highlight up-and-coming Latin music artists. As part of this initiative, Univision viewers will get an exclusive two-month extended free trial of Deezer Premium+. Continue Reading
Amazon is continuing the talent grab for its music operations. The latest hire is Kelly Rich, who will be senior label relations manager for Nashville. Continue Reading
Podtrac has released its ranking of the top 20 podcasts for January 2017. The most recent monthly chart has some small shuffles in placement, but the roster of shows in question looks the same as those from December. Continue Reading