Asian streaming platform KKBOX has inked a partnership with Merlin, an independent digital rights agency. As a result of the deal, some of the 20,000 independent labels and distributors represented by Merlin will be featured on the Taiwan-based streaming service. The deal covers Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes in the audio industry. IFPI appoints new board member; Michelle Jubelirer rises to COO of Capitol. Continue Reading
Media Broadcast has set a goal of increasing the number of DAB+ broadcasting locations from 61 to 110 by December 2016. The expanded network is projected to boost the range of digital radio from 60% to 82% indoors, while mobile reception coverage should grow from about 63% to 93%. Continue Reading
As rumored in December, Japan-based messaging app Line has launched a Line Music service for a trial in Thailand. The service is available within Line’s flagship mobile software as an in-app purchase for 60 Baht (about $1.80) per month. The new platform will let users listen to music and share songs with friends either in individual or group chats. Continue Reading
YouTube has extended the beta trial for its Music Key subscription service through Sept. 15. According to the emails sent to current beta testers, the extension is a thank you for the helpful feedback received during the first six months of testing. Continue Reading
Yesterday, we briefly reported on the contract between Sony and Spotify that was leaked online earlier in the week. We learned today that the International Music Managers Forum used the contract lead as a catalyst for an open letter to the European Commission in an effort to demand more transparency in digital deals. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. The latest moves: ASCAP appoints Michael Martin to head ASCAP Nashville, while Karen Sherry retires. Sinfini Music also hires a new head of content. Continue Reading
The UK’s Radio Joint Audience Research released its data from the first quarter of 2015. The latest information revealed a slight decline in overall radio listening, but posted improvements in the rates of digital radio uptake in the region. The total number of Q1 2015 listeners declined about 50,000 people from the same quarter of 2014. In contrast, digital radio has been consistently increasing its share of listeners, growing from 20.1% in Q1 2009 to 39.6% in Q1 2015. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Two streaming talks at The Great Escape; ASCAP not done fighting Pandora; digital audio ads growing slowly in the UK; a profile of Pakistani streaming service Patari. Continue Reading
Robert Ashcroft, CEO of PRS for Music, spoke about the concerns for UK publishers and songwriters at the performing rights organization’s annual general meeting. His critiques were focused on online platforms that thrive on user-generated content, such as YouTube and SoundCloud. Ashcroft said those services have been unfairly benefiting from safe harbor laws. Continue Reading
France’s Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel, also known as the CSA, has announced that it plans to launch a public consultation about digital terrestrial radio by the end of May. This consultation is expected to decide which regions of the country should be the next to receive digital radio infrastructure. More than a dozen French cities are up for consideration, and the new digital stations are projected to go on-air by September 2016. Continue Reading
Audible made its name in the digital space selling subscriptions to audiobooks. Now, as podcasting’s star continues to rise, the Amazon-owned company appears to be shifting its focus to take advantage of the newest trend. Audible hired NPR’s top content developer to a new role as SVP of original content. Continue Reading