AudioHQ has entered into a digital distribution and sales partnership with TeshMedia Group. Under this arrangement, AudioHQ will develop streaming programs based on existing radio programs, and create marketing opportunities for the new lifestyle content. Podcasts and 24/7 streams are in the works, CEO Matt Cutair told RAIN. Continue Reading
Pandora has launched a new online service that delivers audience analytics to musicians and their managers. Called Pandora AMP, the “Artist Marketing Program” includes data pulled from the many billions of hours people spend listening to the online radio platform. Any artists currently playing on Pandora can sign up for the free service at the AMP website. This initiative marks the first time pandora has turned its data firehose toward musicians. Continue Reading
TuneCore has added a new feature to its Artist Services program focused on incorporating YouTube into its monetization avenues. YouTube Money collects revenue for use of its customers’ music on the video channel for a one-time fee of $25. The FAQ for the service noted that display ads, overlay in-video ads, TrueView in-stream ads and non-skippable in-stream ads are all available for monetizing videos. Continue Reading
The music industry entered a new automotive battleground. The Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies filed a lawsuit against several car companies, including General Motors and Ford Motor Company, seeking damages for vehicles equipped with what it believes are digital audio recording devices. Ford has filed a motion to dismiss the case. The argument hinges on a key definition. Continue Reading
With wearables no longer just the purview of science fiction movies, more and more content companies are revamping their services for access on the new technology. The latest is iHeartRadio, which is now available on Android Wear devices. Continue Reading
Spotify UK saw impressive growth in revenue for 2013 thanks to a 42% spike in subscriptions. The company credited its partnership with Vodafone, which led to the inclusion of Spotify in new customer bundles, and the launch of a student discount with the jump in paid plans. Total revenue for the UK subsidiary increased 40% to £131.3 million for 2013. Profit that year totaled £2.5 million, compared with a loss of £11 million in 2012. Continue Reading
Apple might be preparing a heart-to-heart conversation with its music content providers — the record labels. Apple has reportedly reached out to major labels in an effort to negotiate licensing changes that will let it reduce the monthly subscription price of Beats Music. That might be a struggle. But if any company has a track record of working with record labels to reshape the music industry, it is Apple. Continue Reading
The RIAA released sales and revenue numbers for the first half of 2014. At the top line, a decrease of 4.9% in overall revenue. Streaming posted 28% growth during the half-year — those services supplied 27% of total industry revenue during the front half of the year, drawing close to the 28% share represented by physical music sales. Click through for more. Continue Reading
Yesterday, we learned about the latest updates to the NextRadio app, as disclosed at The Radio Show in Indianapolis. Also at the event, some insight emerged as to when other carriers might begin including the app in their smartphones. Continue Reading
The 5th Annual RAIN Internet Radio Awards concluded yesterday at RAIN Summit Indy, when the final winners were announced by RAIN News founding editor Kurt Hanson and managing editor Brad Hill. The RAIN Awards honor excellence in five categories, covering pureplay streaming, broadcast webcasting, international excellence, digital strategy, and the best overall online radio service. Continue Reading
RAIN News is pleased to partner with Edison Research in the 2014 search for Audio’s 30 Under 30, honoring top talent in radio and audio. The 30 recipients of this singular recognition were announced today at RAIN Summit Indy.
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After 17 years at Warner Music Group, Stephen Bryan has been appointed the new senior vice president of business development and strategy for SoundCloud. “I’ve always felt a deep passion to navigate this incredible transition to digital platforms,” he said. “I think that change will accelerate in the near future, and a company like SoundCloud enables me to continue that.” He enters a company undergoing growth, and growing pains. Continue Reading