Today’s headline news that online music service LiveXLive will acquire pioneering podcast network PodcastOne shines new light on both companies and raises their profiles. It is the latest in a category consolidation that is mashing up podcast networks with related — but different — new parent companies. Continue Reading
Warner Music Group shared its interest in going public earlier this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in its plans. Even though the virus continues to wreak havoc on both markets and populations, the company is continuing to lay groundwork to move forward with listing. Continue Reading
1A, WAMU’s successful current events radio/podcast show, has finalized its search for a permanent host. It is Jenna White, who comes to the Washington, D.C. station from WBEZ, Chicago where she hosts the station’s midday talk program Reset with Jenn White. Continue Reading
Warner Music Group released its financials for its fiscal second quarter. In the period ending March 31, The company posted a net loss of $74 million, reversing the income of $67 million in the year-ago period. The label also saw a slight dip of 1.7% in revenue, falling from $1.09 billion to $1.07 billion. Continue Reading
Triton digital is out today with its latest US Podcast Report, a top-100 ranking of podcasts measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics. There are two top-100 lists: One for top podcasts by download count, and one for user count. This report also ranks the top 10 podcast publishers, including average weekly number of downloads and users per network. RAIN does a Remix of the network charts, showing how audiences and plays are distributed per show. Continue Reading
Streaming radio platform AccuRadio has started rolling out new channels in fulfillment of a program which invites displace radio professionals to “build the station they’ve always wanted to program.” Each accepted station pays $300 to its creator. Additionally, five $1,000 payments will be awarded to curators based on five criteria. Continue Reading
With many artists struggling to make ends meet as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, more and more audio companies are promoting their tools to help them better reach listeners and continue to make money. There have been several moves in this space in the past week, so here’s a round-up of what’s happening where. Continue Reading
Sonos introduced a new content hub for ad-supported lean-back listening last month, and now we’ve learned more about what’s happening behind the scenes. Sonos tapped Targetspot for an exclusive global sales partnership for Sonos Radio. Continue Reading
Amazon released its first quarter financials. The company did see some adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its press release included some statements about measures taken to protect employees from the virus, but did not comment on the ongoing labor debates or union efforts happening among its workforce. Continue Reading
U.S. commercial radio raised $425,000 for Feeding America yesterday, in a rapidly organized effort called Radio Cares. Hundreds of stations and radio groups pitched in with on-air promotions. It was a virtuosic effort. What is podcasting doing, as a cohesive medium, in this national emergency. Maybe it’s time to develop a unifying trade organization. Continue Reading
ASCAP announced that it recorded record high distributions and revenues in 2019. The performing rights organization generated $1.274 billion in 2019 revenue, up from $1.227 billion the previous year. Distributions also surpassed $1 billion for the third consecutive year. Continue Reading
Apple has reported its financial results for the three months ending March 28. The performance overall showed slowing growth, although many of its important metrics still trended upwards. Continue Reading