MusicWatch has released new research on the various forms of music piracy, how music consumers obtain music without generating revenue, and to what extent they do. A complicated profile of tech-savvy, copyright-confused consumer emerges, and a new descriptor: “badquisition.” Continue Reading
The BBC is reportedly planning some major organizational changes, kicking off a potential merger of its radio and TV divisions with sweeping layoffs. Financial considerations are paramount — at the same time, re-organizing around content brands rather than technology platforms could make sense for consumers. Continue Reading
BandPage has been acquired by YouTube. The artist support and engagement platform announced the purchase today, and he company reaffirmed its commitment to helping artists access digital tools and services.” Continue Reading
AudioBoom will be one of the content providers for the Google Play store. The company is one of 11 podcast and audio partners that will appear on the redesigned store. Earlier this week, some Android users saw glimpses of the active podcast hub. Continue Reading
This open letter is from Bill Goldsmith, Founder and Owner of Radio Paradise, one of the most venerable and recognized Internet radio stations. It is an appeal to David Byrne, as a board member of SoundExchange, to renew royalty protections that have enabled small webcasting for the past six years. Continue Reading
WKCR 89.9, the unique and distinctive radio station affiliated with Columbia University, suspended its online simulcast at the start of the year. Unique programming has earned the station a far-flung audience of listeners and financial supporters, who are voicing their distress on social media. Continue Reading
Spotify has been hit with a second lawsuit in two weeks, again centered on licensing and royalties. The plaintiff is artist Melissa Ferrick, who said her songs have been streamed more than a million times without proper licensing. Continue Reading
David Lowery has filed an attempted class action lawsuit against Spotify, charging that the streaming service knowingly and willingly distributed music without the correct mechanical licenses. Lowery is a vociferous critic of streaming music services.
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The Beatles can now be streamed in major music services, and the RAIN editorial office is unreasonably (but seasonally!) giddy about it. Here, with cutting-edge analysis and lyrical insight, Anna Washenko and Brad Hill unabashedly discuss. Continue Reading
Pandora and Sony/ATV have entered into a direct publishing deal, marking a breakthrough marketplace development between one of the biggest streaming companies and a major music publisher. Continue Reading
A combination of conversation, presentation, music, and meeting will characterize RAIN Summit Europe, November 9 in London. Hundreds of attendees will have an opportunity to meet industry leaders of streaming audio, while learning from 16 knowledge sessions covering advertising, podcasting, research, mobile listening, metrics, and radio innovation in a digital world. Continue Reading
After announcing plans for an initial public offering, French streaming platform Deezer has postponed the event. Deezer officially said that less-ideal market conditions were the cause of the delay. Did Pandora’s rough ride on Wall Street this week contribute to the decision? Continue Reading