AI-programmed radio (HD) launches in Nashville, powered by Super Hi-Fi

Radio innovation company Super Hi-Fi is promoting the launch of new technology which uses AI to create radio station programming, and has launched its first examples in HD. It is called HLS+. Partners in this technological adventure are Xperi and Cumulus Media. Two new radio stations in Nashville are powered by a combination of human-produced programming elements and AI-produced targeting and assembly. Click for more explanation of this interesting venture. Continue Reading

“TV is what is playing in God’s waiting room” — and more media insights from Westwood One

We’re not sure Boomers would love the characterization in Westwood One’s recent analytical rundown of ratings and advertising insights, but the point is clear. To be precise, half of the linear TV audience is 65 years or older. This is just part of Westwood One’s latest analysis of media consumption across categories and age groups. PIerre Bouvard is the author. Click for info and a link Continue Reading

Warner preps acquisition of digital music firm Believe; AIM objects

Major music label Warner Music Group is reportedly planning an acquisition bid to ingest digital music company Believe, which specializes in assistance to, and advocacy of, independent artists. On the face of it, there are evident concerns from the perspective of indie artists and their advocacy groups. The Association of Independent Music is one such group. Click for details. Continue Reading

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Spotify to hike subscription rates in France in dispute with a targeted tax hike

In what seems like a protest action in addition to a logical finance decision, Spotify will raise its subscription rate in France to compensate for a new tax levied by the French government. A public blog post which is both aggressive and defensive makes a case for the streaming giant. “Se simply can’t absorb any additional taxes.” Spotify also disputes whether taxed revenue in France gets where it is supposed to go — assisting artists. Continue Reading

Spotify’s new “AUX” connects advertisers with musicians for in-concert and on-platform holistic partnerships

Spotify’s new AUX program is interestingly conceived to connect advertisers to targeted successful musicians for partnerships that benefit both the artist, who receives brand-name sponsorship, and the advertiser which gains access to the artist’s targeted audience. Naturally, artists selected for this program have substantial popularity and reach. Coca-Cola is the launch partner for this innovative marketing experiment, and the first artist to be involved is Peggy Gou. Click for much more info. Continue Reading