Acquisitions & Partnerships

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Gimlet co-founders open up about sale to Spotify

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Anna Washenko

The audio industry is still adapting to the new landscape of podcasting after Spotify’s move to acquire both Gimlet Media and Anchor. We’ve heard outside opinions and analysis of the deal, but now there’s some information straight from the horse’s mouth. Gimlet co-founders Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber sat down with Recode, fittingly on an episode of the podcast Recode Media With Peter Kafka, to discuss their motivations for selling, Spotify, and the future of their operation. Continue Reading →

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In blockbuster podcast deal, Spotify acquires Gimlet Media and Anchor

Posted on February 6, 2019 by RAIN News Staff

Spotify has acquired not one, but two podcasting companies. The rumor mill hinted this week that the streaming company was in negotiations for podcast producer Gimlet Media, and that is one of the purchases. But Spotify has also acquired Anchor, a straightforward service that lets anyone start creating, distributing, and monetizing podcasts. Continue Reading →

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Spotify reportedly pursues Gimlet Media

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Brad Hill

The media sphere burbled over the weekend with late-Friday reporting that Spotify is “in talks” to acquire podcast powerhouse Gimlet Media, with a price tag above $200-million. If this happens, it will be the richest institutional dive into podcasting yet. click through for details, and a history of podcast acquisitions, full and partial. Continue Reading →

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Sirius XM closes acquisition of Pandora; Jim Meyer lays out strategic bullet points

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Brad Hill

As predicted in this week’s Sirius XM earnings call for Q4 2018, the Sirius XM acquisition of Pandora closed today. Pandora is now a wholly owned component of the satellite broadcaster. In the earnings call, Sirius CEO Jim Meyer had things to say about Pandora, and was explicit in laying out broad strategic thoughts. Click through for abundant quotes. Continue Reading →

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UK-based streaming service Akazoo acquired by Lew Dickey’s Modern Media Acquisition Corp.

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Brad Hill

Subscription-based online music service Akazoo will be acquired by Modern Media Acquisition Corp. (MMAC), the company founded by ex-CEO of media group Cumulus, Lew Dickey. Complex stock maneuvering will result in new ticker symbol, but straight line for existing investors. Continue Reading →

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RAIN 2018 highlights: Industry Acquisitions

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Brad Hill

The online audio industry was eventful in 2018, especially on the consolidation front. Here are the top M&A events: Continue Reading →

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Apple reportedly acquires UK-based artist services company

Posted on December 7, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Apple looks to be closing 2018 with another music business acquisition. Platoon is an A&R and creative services company founded in 2016. The London-based company has helped early-stage artists in the U.S. and the UK such as Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, and Stefflon Don before their major signings. Continue Reading →

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Spotify wraps up 2018: Drake’s the top artist (again) and more weird stats feature in marketing

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Spotify is closing out the year by sharing statistics. First, the streaming service shared its top performers of 2018. Second, it has opted to promote its platform for another year with the Wrapped promotional campaign of advertisements sharing unusual or funny data points from its listeners. Continue Reading →

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Scripps / Triton acquisition closes

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Brad Hill

The acquisition of Triton Digital by E.W. Scripps has closed, the parent company announced this morning. First announced six weeks ago, the merger settles what has been an uneven path for Triton in 2018, as it adds an important piece to Scripps’ digital acquisition strategy. Continue Reading →

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iHeartMedia acquires Jelli

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Anna Washenko

iHeartMedia announced that it has acquired Jelli, a specialist in programmatic audio advertising for radio and the creator of the SpotPlan platform. Jelli’s technology has been pivotal as audio moves toward programmatic buying and selling. Its work has been especially relevant to the broadcast industry. Continue Reading →

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Global acquires leanStream, will rebrand as DAX Canada

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Global continues to stay true to its name with the acquisition of Canadian audio streaming solutions specialist leanStream. As a result of the purchase, Global will launch DAX Canada, bringing its digital audio expertise and providing an ad sales foothold for a new market. Continue Reading →

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Scripps acquires Triton Digital

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Brad Hill

E.W. Scripps announced this morning that it has acquired Triton Digital, the leading ratings service for streaming audio and a global infrastructure service for digital audio delivery. The acquisition carries a price tag of $150-million, cash. Continue Reading →