Sirius XM is rolling out its new Essential subscription package in Canada. A similar package launched in the United States in April and now the satellite radio company’s Canadian branch is also adding access to this option. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio commissioned a study from Ipsos Research exploring the reach and popularity of different audio formats. The results backed other studies on the continued dominance of radio, and noted that younger listeners are driving much of the growth in audio. Continue Reading
A collection of global music industry organizations and businesses have banded together to curb stream manipulation. Their “code of best practice” includes 21 points directed toward stopping efforts to artificially inflate stream counts and influence copyright payouts on audio and audio/visual platforms. Manipulation might include the use of bots, other automated processes, false accounts, and “pay for play” approaches to skewing stream counts. Continue Reading
Radio New Zealand and Acast shared some new insights on podcast listening in the region. One in three listeners in New Zealand are tuning in to a podcast at least once a week. The local podcast audience also skews toward younger generations. Continue Reading
The recorded music industry has scored another win in shutting down stream-ripping sites. German based operation Convert2MP3, which reportedly generated 684 million visits over the past year, has been closed thanks to a joint effort by the IFPI and local trade group BVMI. Continue Reading
Interactive voice marketing platform Instreamatic has entered a new integration with jācapps. The deal will allow jācapps clients, including commercial, public, and Christian radio, to take advantage of Instreamatic’s audio ad technology. Continue Reading
MIDiA Research teamed with subscription listening service Idagio for an examination of classical music and streaming. Global retail revenue for classical recorded music was $384 million in 2018. Streaming revenue for the genre rose 46% to $141 million that year. Continue Reading
Google and PRX have announced the shows that will participate in the second wave of their joint training program. Six projects were selected from thousands of applicants to join the training, which aims to bring new voices and perspectives to podcasting. Continue Reading
Podcast listening app Castbox announced a new integration with navigation app Waze. The partnership will allow drivers easier control over their listening while behind the wheel, whichever app they’re currently using. Continue Reading
In a new on-demand audio venture that parallels its podcast activity, NPR has launched a new series of music playlists that will be available on its website as well as on Spotify and Apple Music. Continue Reading
Wixen, an independent music publisher, has sued Pandora over the audio company’s display of lyrics. Pandora shows song lyrics for some tracks playing on both its mobile and desktop versions thanks to partnerships with third-party services. Continue Reading
Merlin, the digital rights agency and independent label network, shared two big announcements. First, it has released its annual report with details about member revenue. Second, its longtime leader is stepping down. Continue Reading