Breakthrough PodcastOne/AP partnership creates real-time podcasting

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, PodcastOne and the Associated Press (AP) are partnering to create one-minute news podcasts. Special insertion technology will automatically deliver the most current 60-second program to each listener. Eighteen shows will be produced each day, seven days a week. RAIN News spoke to PodcastOne founder Norman Pattiz. Continue Reading

Uber and Spotify announce partnership for personalized in-taxi listening

Imagine getting into a taxi and hearing your Spotify playlist, which you were just listening to, coming out of the car stereo. That is the vision, and starting this Friday the reality, of a partnership announced today by Uber and Spotify. The heart of the deal is about ownership vs. access, of both music and transportation. Continue Reading

TargetSpot and RMS partner for two-way revenue expansion

Audio ad platform TargetSpot announced a partnership with RMS, the leading audio ad network in Germany. RMS also operates an Internet radio publishing platform for German online radio stations. TargetSpot merged with leading Internet radio platform Radionomy in January. with both companies involved in audio publishing and ad marketing, the synergies of this deal appear to angle in from all directions. Continue Reading

Warner inks distribution deal in China, bringing its library to local streaming sites

Warner Music Group has entered into a distribution agreement with Tencent, a Chinese Internet conglomerate. Tencent will be responsible for distributing Warner’s catalog and new releases to local music services in China. One of the main platforms where Tencent will be providing Warner’s library is its proprietary streaming music platform, QQ Music. The free listening service is one of the longest-running in China. Continue Reading

YouTube reaches deal with Merlin, paving way for new subscription service

YouTube has reportedly reached an agreement with indie music rights agency Merlin for its subscription music service, according to Financial Times. If the news is confirmed, this would be a major win for the video network. Merlin represents some 20,000 indie labels, and an agreement with that group helps to round out YouTube’s alliances with the top record labels; it already has arrangements with Universal, Sony, and Warner. Continue Reading

Vodafone releases details about Australian Spotify bundle

Vodafone and Spotify announced an Australian partnership in early October, and today more details emerged about how the two services will support each other. Customers on Vodafone’s Red plans will have access to Spotify Premium for free. The amount of time customers will have the free Premium service — from six months to 24 months — depends on the plan they choose. Continue Reading