Playlist radio service 8tracks is opening its first in-house music library today, in partnership with CD Baby, INgrooves, and indie labels. The initiative promises to streamline playlist-building for 8tracks “DJs,” while tightening its ties with the independent artist community. Continue Reading
SoundCloud has entered into a partnership with content identification service Zefr. The deal appears focused on monitoring what tracks get played and when. Although neither SoundCloud nor Zefr have disclosed much detail about the nature of their new partnership, it’s likely a step in SoundCloud’s push into monetizing its platform. Continue Reading
In a far-reaching agreement, iHeartMedia and its subsidiary Katz Media Group have partnered with Jelli, the automated radio advertising platform, for programmatic ad-buying of broadcast radio inventory. RAIN News spoke to Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group has entered into a partnership with Bradesco, a Brazilian bank. Bradesco Music will stream audio and video from Universal’s catalog and deliver music-related editorial through an application for both desktop computers and mobile devices. Continue Reading
Mobile app developer jācapps announced that its v4 platform has been certified by Nielsen for digital audio measurement. The new measurement system is available to Nielsen radio clients on the jācapps v4 platform, and will generate ratings congruent with Nielsen’s on-air measurement. Continue Reading
Vector Capital, a private equity firm specializing in technology, has acquired Triton Digital, the leading technology provider to the online audio industry. The announcement follows days of rumors. Continue Reading
United Stations Radio Network, creator and syndicator of popular FM radio programs, has partnered with Radionomy to build 24/7 online streams of archived shows. Radionomy will host the streams, and distribute them to other online radio directories. Continue Reading
Audioboom announced a global agreement with Panasonic-owned Aupeo, to bring Audioboom’s curated mix of news, sports, comedy, and entertainment audio to the recently-launched Personal Radio by AUPEO!. Continue Reading
Nielsen announced its acquisition of data technology firm Exelate. Exelate serves the digital marketing ecosystem, specializing in audience intelligence and segmenting. The acquisition is a programmatic move for Nielsen. Continue Reading
WideOrbit announced this morning the launch of WO Streaming, a re-branding and integration of the Abacast Clarity product in the company’s software suite. WideOrbit acquired Abacast last June. Clarity (now WO Streaming) is Abacast’s cloud-based streaming and ad-insertion solution. Continue Reading
Music and business mogul Jay-Z made an offer to buy Aspiro, parent company for the Tidal and WiMP streaming services, back in January. Although Aspiro encouraged its shareholders to accept the roughly $56 million offer, the response from those shareholders has been lukewarm. Continue Reading
Hifi streaming service Tidal announced a new partnership with by:Larm, which runs a music festival and conference on March 4-7 in Oslo. As a result of this deal, Tidal will present the international section of by:Larm’s artist program. Tidal and WiMP’s editor-in-chief Sveinung Rindal will also hold a session during the conference focused on how others can take most advantage of streaming services. Continue Reading