Chance the Rapper has been known to throw himself and his resources into causes that hit close to home. He gave Chicago public schools $1 million last year, and also made efforts to help support SoundCloud when the platform that helped break him to mainstream success was struggling. Now he’s embarking on another Windy City campaign. 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
The planned merger which would combine Triton Digital and audioBoom is off, according to a British regulatory filing posted by audioBoom. Closing depended on a fundraising effort by audioBoom, which has fallen short. The future of audioBoom is uncertain, with four weeks of operating cash remaining. Continue Reading
The rumor mill turns once more. After a back-and-forth earlier this year that eventually came to naught, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei said in the company’s Q1 earnings call that the company is still potentially interested in acquiring iHeartMedia. “iHeart is an attractive free-cash flow generator,” he said. “At the right price, I think it would be additive to our music holdings.” Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired mechanical licensing company Loudr, a move that could bring more expertise and technology into the streaming company to tackle that thorny topic. Loudr offers services to help content creators, aggregators, and music services to identify and pay mechanical royalties to publishers. Continue Reading
Beatport has acquired Pulselocker, a company that offers a digital music locker service. The purchase will help Beatport to expand its existing offerings for DJs beyond digital downloads. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Continue Reading
India’s streaming music sector is getting shaken thanks to a big merger. Reliance Jio, an Indian telecom, announced that its digital music service JioMusic is combining with streaming platform Saavn. The new music platform is being valued at about $1 billion. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia might file for bankruptcy as soon as this weekend, according to multiple reports, and Liberty Media disclosed that it has already acquired some of the debt that it wishes to. Liberty’s Q4 earnings call yesterday provided timely information. Continue Reading