Panoply Media rebrands as Megaphone

Panoply Media has been making big changes in how it approaches the business of podcasting, and today it capped off those changes with a rebranding. The company will now be called Megaphone, adopting the same name as its hosting and ad-insertion service. According to the press release, the changed name reflects the business’ focus on podcast technology and infrastructure. Continue Reading

ASCAP and BMI release open letter as the future for consent decrees becomes uncertain

Consent decrees are back in the headlines. These rules govern how performing rights organizations ASCAP and BMI collect fees for use of their catalogs, but now the Department of Justice is reviewing the decrees and considering their end. Today, ASCAP and BMI issued an open letter with their stance on the possible reforms. Continue Reading

Tencent Music and a buyout fund emerge as first possible buyers for Universal Music Group stake

One of the big music industry narratives this year will likely be the expected sale of up to a 50% stake in Universal Music Group. Two very different potential buyers have already emerged. Reuters reported that Tencent Music Entertainment and U.S. buyout fund KKR are each exploring bids for the major label. Continue Reading