Australia loses a local streaming service
Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi is shuttering its streaming service Now. The company informed subscribers that its Now platform will close on March 17. No reason was given. Continue Reading
Author: Anna Washenko
Vevo pondering premium subscription
Vevo has been taking steps to differentiate its service from YouTube, and its CEO has said that the company is planning to launch a subscription tier for its videos. Speaking at the Code/Media conference, Erik Huggers said that adding a premium offering was likely in the future. Continue Reading
New online marketplace offers ad agencies original music
Today’s ambitious professional musicians have more ways than ever to find gigs and paid outlets for their skills. For instance, we’ve heard about Berklee College of Music students specializing in music for podcasts. A new platform has emerged in an effort to harness those creatives and put them in touch with potential buyers. Continue Reading
New hints of Apple Music’s video plans
In November, we reported on rumors that Apple Music may have had plans in the works to beef up the role of video in its burgeoning streaming service. Recently, more of the pieces are starting to fall into place, creating a picture of what Apple may have as its immediate vision for video. Continue Reading
Former Univision execs team up for Spanish podcast network
Former Univision exec Jack Hobbs is returning to media with the launch of Revolver Podcasts. The podcast network will offer bilingual on-demand audio aimed at a multicultural audience. It has 30 shows on the roster so far and will also have original audio novellas, serialized audio programming, livestreamed music festivals, and branded content initiatives. Continue Reading
On-demand streaming as radio programming’s crystal ball
Much of the discussion around streaming music positions the medium as a rival to radio. But a new blog post from Nielsen explains how radio professionals could change their thinking to see on-demand streaming as a source of programming intel. Continue Reading
The saga of distributing Kanye West’s new album
Shortly after the launch of Rihanna’s Anti spiked Tidal membership, another of the platform’s artist/owners is experimenting with using it for exclusive access. Kanye West released his new album, The Life of Pablo, on Tidal, but it has had vastly more complicated results. Continue Reading
Spotify looks to remove class designation in Lowery lawsuit
Spotify has made its first parry in the lawsuit filed against the streaming service by musician and activist David Lowery. According to a newly filed motion, Spotify is seeking to remove the class allegations, calling the case “a fatally flawed candidate” for that status. Continue Reading
The patchwork life of MixRadio comes to an end as shutdown is announced
Line announced that it is shutting down MixRadio. It has opted to close the service after an assessment of its overall performance and the challenges of the streaming economy. Although MixRadio’s operations will be discontinued, the company’s Line Music service will remain in action. Continue Reading
New report consolidates digital radio updates across 21 European countries
The European Broadcasting Union released a report on digital radio. With French and Italian regulators working on digital radio licensing plans as broadcasters find ways to shift their focus, the report paints a picture of a continent making strides forward into adoption of new technology. Continue Reading
Pandora earnings: Increased revenue & listener hours, but continued Wall Street doubt
“We’re invested in the long-term and I could not have more conviction about the ability of Pandora to lead the future of music,” CEO Brian McAndrews said in announcing the company’s financials for Q4 and FY 2015. Revenue for the quarter reached $336.2 million, up 25% from the year-ago period. Continue Reading
UK’s second DAB multiplex coming at the end of the month
The UK is getting a second national DAB digital radio multiplex network on Feb. 29. The network is coming courtesy of Sound Digital, a joint venture formed by Arqiva, Bauer Media, and UTV Media in 2014. Three of the channels will be using the DAB+ standard. Continue Reading