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
Apple has reportedly acquired a machine learning music analytics company called Asaii. Axois first reported the deal, which would bolster the back-end offerings for artists in Apple Music. Asaii specializes in the discovery of new and emerging artists based on its assessments of music service and social media data. Continue Reading
In a landscape-shifting deal that could be filed in the “Finally!” folder, Sirius XM is buying Pandora. The satellite company already owned a 14% stake in the streaming audio giant, and three Sirius execs have been sitting on Pandora’s board for over a year. Pandora’s well-prepared material on the deal calls the combination “the world’s largest audio entertainment company.” Continue Reading
iHeartMedia announced plans to acquire Stuff Media, the publisher behind HowStuffWorks and other premium podcast content. As a result of the deal, iHeart will be able to leverage Stuff Media’s original content, programming, and podcast management team to continue growing the joint operations. Continue Reading
As hinted in recent weeks, the European Commission has approved Apple’s acquisition of audio identification tool Shazam. The purchase was first announced back in December 2017, but several European leaders pushed for a full investigation to ensure that the deal would not create issues of competition. Continue Reading
Apple’s acquisition of Shazam is anticipated to receive approval from EU regulators. The deal was announced back in December, but faced scrutiny over anti-trust questions. European regulators opted to launch a full investigation of those potential issues. Continue Reading
Veritone One, the full-service ad agency branch of AI tech giant Veritone, has acquired podcast ad sales company Performance Bridge Media. The deal will make Veritone One a larger player in the field of podcast and radio solutions. Continue Reading
Mood Media, an in-store media solutions specialist, announced the acquisition of focus4media. The company is the largest Mood Independent Affiliate in North America, and Mood Media has acquired all of its assets for providing sight, sound, scent, and systems solutions to brick-and-mortar storefronts. Continue Reading
ZenoRadio has acquired AudioNow, with the new joint entity rebranding as Zeno Media. The deal will expand the new company’s broadcasting services, including Call-to-listen, mobile app development, and streaming. Morris Berger, CEO of Zeno Media, spoke with RAIN News by email about the acquisition and what sets its Call-to-listen business apart in the broadcast industry. Continue Reading
Kobalt’s AWAL recorded music division has acquired in2une Music, a multi-format radio promotion specialist for indie artists and labels. The company, which also offers services in playlisting, social & digital strategy and campus promotion, has been used by breakout performers such as Chance the Rapper, Lindsey Stirling, and Major Lazer. Continue Reading
High 5 Media announced that it has acquired a majority interest in Spoke Media, a Dallas-based podcast company focused on branded audio. Spoke Media was founded by award-winning audiobook director Keith Reynolds. The company has created podcasts for Wondery, Midroll Media, Cinestate, The Dallas Morning News, and Busch. Continue Reading
Today brings dual announcements from Pandora. First, the audio platform has completed its acquisition of AdsWizz, which was initially presented in March. The second item is Pandora’s addition of a family plan. Continue Reading