In a first-of-its-kind partnership, PodcastOne and the Associated Press (AP) are partnering to create one-minute news podcasts. Special insertion technology will automatically deliver the most current 60-second program to each listener. Eighteen shows will be produced each day, seven days a week. RAIN News spoke to PodcastOne founder Norman Pattiz. Continue Reading
Will Page, Director of Economics at Spotify, published a revealing analysis of how Meghan Trainor’s hit song “All About That Bass” became a charted hit, pushed more by streaming than by radio — and even before the track was available to purchase in the U.K. The cross-continental story raises questions about music distribution strategies in an era when online engagement can create hit without traditional levers. Continue Reading
Global streaming music service Deezer has announced the appointment of Dr. Hans-Holger Albrecht as the company CEO. The hire culminates an eight-month leadership search that started when previous chief executive Axel Dauchez resigned in April to take the head spot at Publicis France. Continue Reading
Following up our coverage of the integrative partnership of audio ad network Targetspot and data company Quantcast, we wanted to understand the depth of integration, and what Big Data means for the online audio advertising industry. We chatted with TargetSpot co-CEO Leigh Newsome, and started by asking how this partnership is distinguished from previous work the two companies have done together. Continue Reading
After our review of Slacker’s inventive new app, which represents a meaningful re-launch of the brand and its content focus, we wanted to dig deeper. Jack Isquith, SVP of Strategic Development and Content Programming, joined us on the phone for a chat about his priorities and the thinking behind Slacker’s reinvention. Continue Reading
Ad network TargetSpot announced a partnership with audience measurement company Quantcast, which will allow TargetSpot to more finely identify audience characteristics across its portfolio of streaming audio publishers. The agreement represents an important example of the Big Data movement in online audio, and the increasing expectation of targeted audience segments among advertisers. Continue Reading
Following our recent examination of native advertising growth for streaming audio, we were on the prowl for live campaign examples in podcasts. We found two instances of a podcast campaign by Casper mattresses, and those two examples demonstrate the range of ad-libbing that is possible when a podcast host is responsible for the marketing presentation. Click to listen. Continue Reading
SoundCloud introduced a new feature which makes it easier for account-holders to collect and organize music. Aptly, it is called Collections. It does not add new functionality, but displays a user’s tagged music differently. Highly recommended for long-time SoundCloud music collectors. Continue Reading
Ad-repping firm AdLarge Media and on-demand audio platform AudioBoom have signed a partnership that gives AdLarge exclusive representation of AudioBoom advertising opportunities for its quickly growing U.S. audience, starting in the new year. We spoke to executives from both companies. Continue Reading
Royalty recovery firm Audiam has raised a $1-million funding round from a diverse coalition of investors in the music industry. Audiam fills an unusual niche in the online music ecosystem, tracking down failed royalty payments, collecting them, and getting the money where it’s supposed to go. Continue Reading
Martinis in the morning are not an optimal lifestyle, but Martini in the Morning pours terrific listening for lovers of swing. The programming ranges freely across decades, from classic readings of the Great American Songbook to modern covers. Then there is “Sinatra at 6.” Continue Reading
A-list recording artist Ed Sheeran offered counterpoint to recent Spotify-bashing which has become something like a music industry sport. Backstage at the BBC Music Awards, Sheeran said his career wouldn’t be possible without Spotify. He also explains why he’s different from Taylor Swift. Continue Reading