Bloom.FM, an on-demand music app, report-tweeted it has been knocked out of the iTunes Radio ad rotation after spending 2,000 British pounds a month on commercials for its service. Bloom.FM spokespeople are enjoying their new image as a prospective iTunes Radio killer.
“It’s actually quite flattering they see us as such a threat.” –Bloom.FM spokesperson
Bloom.FM is a U.K. service, and iTunes Radio is not (yet) available in that market, so there is no direct competition for listeners. Bloom.FM said that Apple cited standing policy in banning advertisements from a competitor.
The Guardian quotes another spokesperson: “We’re amused by this rather than frustrated. It’s just pretty funny really. We’re a tiny app, so we’re surprised they even noticed what we were doing.”
You can’t buy publicity like this … not even for 2,000 British pounds a month.