Google announced new privacy policies around how it handles recordings made with its voice AI platform. Under the new default for Google Assistant, the company will not retain user recordings. Customers can opt into Google’s Voice & Audio Activity program when they set up the AI. Continue Reading
YouTube is still updating its on-demand streaming platform to have the same feature sets as its more established competitors. The latest new feature at YouTube Music is a playlist called Discover Mix. Continue Reading
Entercom announced a new addition to its sports podcast programming for RADIO.COM. The show, Scal & Pals, will offer two hours of live NBA coverage every weekday. The live show can be heard between 11 am and 1 pm Eastern, and can also be heard on-demand via other podcast platforms. Continue Reading
Pandora is applying its dynamic audio ad technology in a partnership with FOX Sports. The campaign, rolling out on September 20, will use the Pandora tools in support of the college football and Thursday Night Football broadcasts. Continue Reading
Samantha Henig has joined BuzzFeed as its new executive editor of strategy. She joins the media company after several years with The New York Times, where she was editorial director of audio and helped launch The Daily. Continue Reading
Lee Brown is joining Spotify as the streaming service’s vice president of global sales strategy beginning next month. Brown’s previous post was as chief revenue officer for BuzzFeed. Continue Reading
Consulting firm Prophet released the latest results of its Brand Relevance Index, and found that U.S. consumers place a high importance on companies in tech and entertainment. Apple was the top choice, and it has led the ranking for every year the index has been conducted. Spotify secured second place. Continue Reading
Podcast startups have been a hot space as the audio format continues to grow in popularity. One subset of this area has been attempts to create steady paying communities for shows. Supercast is one of these. The platform is currently in beta. Continue Reading
Google is testing out a new effort to bring its voice assistant to cellphones without internet access. The India pilot program offers a 24/7 phone number that people can call to pose their questions to Google Assistant. Continue Reading
Jay Soderberg has joined Locked On Podcast Network, assuming the post as the group’s first executive producer. Soderberg’s extensive experience in podcasting and audio includes 16 years with ESPN and most recently head of content for BlogTalkRadio and Voxnest. Continue Reading
Pocket Casts, a popular podcast app, announced that it is adopting a new freemium subscription business model. The app will now be a free download, with all of its existing features available for no charge. Listeners who want additional customizations will have the option of the Pocket Casts Plus subscription. Continue Reading
The RIAA has released its mid-year report on the Latin music market in the U.S., and the genre is on track for continued growth through 2019. In the first six months of the year, the sector generated retail revenue of $232 million. Continue Reading