All forms of broadcast.
by Michael Robertson
This guest contribution by iconic digital audio entrepreneur Michael Robertson digs into the U.S. copyright code and finds a statute which might relate to, and potentially invalidate, Spotify’s exclusive distribution deal with Joe Rogan. Continue Reading
Times Radio, a new 24-hour news station created by Rupert Murdoch’s Wireless Group in collaboration with The Times news organization. We see a 24-hour schedule in this all-out BBC competitor, and archived shows (“catch-up”) for time-shifted listening. The website also promotes a slate of traditional, stand-alone podcasts. Continue Reading
The British public broadcaster has rebranded its production division, formerly BBC Radio & Music Production, which relaunched today as BBC Audio. This is part of a widespread de-platforming of radio and broader reconceptualization as audio. Four people staff the new unit, headed by Clare McGinn, previously Head of Production for BBC Radio 4 in Bristol. McGinn is a career BBC’er. Continue Reading
A weekly column from the preeminent Radio Futurologist. THIS WEEK: How the BBC produced during coronavirus. How is Beats 1 doing? Ten best music radio stations. Radio recovery. Podcast promoter chat. And much more! Continue Reading
Edison Research sent out a note from its Share of Ear subscription study, to mark a milestone for broadcast radio. In a May update, Edison found that 105 of radio listening in the U.S. was streamed, against 90% from an over-the-air receiver. The finding implies shifted listening from in-car (where radios are ubiquitous) to in-home (where radio receivers are disappearing). Continue Reading
When we last reported on Podcast Radio, the London-based all-podcast DAB+ station, it had broadened its signal to include Manchester. We now learn of a new expansion, bringing the city of Glasgow into range. The license adds 600,000 potential listeners to the station’s addressable market. Continue Reading
A weekly column from the preeminent Radio Futurologist. THIS WEEK: How the BBC produced during coronavirus. How is Beats 1 doing? Ten best music radio stations. Radio recovery. Podcast promoter chat. And much more! Continue Reading
In an encompassing and deeply researched report, UK-based MIDiA Research has produced a manifesto for broadcast radio, laying out challenges and opportunities for the future. Titled Radio is Switched On Again: Strategies for 2020 and Beyond, the densely-packed 24-page document is for subscribers only, but MIDiA kindly sent a copy to RAIN News for review. Continue Reading
Hubbard Radio announced a new role in its digital audio initiatives: Brand and Digital Content Development Director. Phil Mackey has been chosen for the position. He will be based in the Twin Cities HQ, and work with Greg Strassell and Jeremy Sinon. Continue Reading
In the Q1 earnings report from Cumulus Media, digital and podcasting took starring roles even as Covid-19 damaged quarterly results for the company as a whole. The Westwood One Podcast Network is part of Cumulus. CEO Mary Berner defines the business as “audio-first media company.” Digital is driving growth. Podcasts are soaring. Continue Reading
The JACK brand, one of the few remaining independent commercial radio groups in the UK, is announcing a deal with Targetspot which will allow advertisers to access JACK’s digital audio inventory programmatically for the first time. Continue Reading
In iHeartMedia’s Q1 earnings call, Chairmand and CEO Bob Pittman laid out his company’s revenue trendlines, a review of strategic decisions, and his views of a hopeful future. In simple coronavirus strokes: Listening is up, advertising is down, and digital initiatives are providing the best result and will propel future recovery. Continue Reading