BBC Sounds begins connected TV app rollout
BBC Sounds has introduced an app for connected televisions. The app rollout is beginning on YouView and Virgin Media devices, but will launch on other platforms in the future. Continue Reading
News
New York Times Company acquires journalism text-to-voice platform Audm
The New York Times Company has acquired Audm, a startup that creates audio versions of long-form journalism for subscription access. Founders Ryan Wegner, the director of spoken word audio production, and Christian Brink, director of product, will join the Times Company along with the rest of the Audm team. Continue Reading
SoundCloud deal offers social distancing performers fast-track to Twitch revenue
SoundCloud has been offering resources and support to the up-and-coming artists who might be getting hit hard by COVID-19 preventive measures. The company’s most recent move is a partnership with Twitch. Continue Reading
Weirdly, owned music takes over in-car listening growth (Infinite Dial 2020)
Adding to our takeover newsletter coverage yesterday of The Infinite Dial 2020, we will indulge in some pinpoint recognition of interesting results. Listening in the car is a key part of the Infinite Dial package. We noticed that “owned music” enjoyed the greatest growth as the audio source used most often in the car. Um, why? Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Wondery interview, Norway digital radio stats, pandemic tips
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Updated report on Norway’s digital transition. Interview with Wondery COO. Pandemic tips for artists from SoundCloud. Continue Reading
Whooshkaa and RODE supply podcast-based solutions to teachers and quarantined families
Australia-based podcast tech company Whooshkaa is announcing what is calls “free Professional podcast packages for schools from kindergarten to year 12, across Australia and right around the world.” A partnership with microphone maker RODE aims to create total solutions including hardware, software, and distribution. The idea is to keep teachers connected with students and parents in what might be called an era of quarantine. Continue Reading
Pandemic predictions for audio: How the COVID-19 outbreak may change consumption, content, and advertising
Most of the world is staying home. That shift toward serious social distancing began with hoarding of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. But once people settle into new routines for the coming weeks, the media world can expect to see some big changes in how and when their works are consumed. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: The coronavirus edition
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: “Alexa, what is coronavirus?” Get your classical concert fix in isolation. And don’t despair, indie artists. Continue Reading
Tencent Music posts growth from music subscriptions in Q4, FY 2019
Tencent Music Entertainment released its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2019. Tencent Music reversed its quarterly loss of 875 million yuan from Q4 2018 to a profit of 1.04 billion yuan ($149 million). The company said that for the quarter ending December 31, it had total revenue of 7.29 billion yuan ($1.05 billion), up 35.1% on-year. Continue Reading
Spotify’s head for Australia and New Zealand exits
Spotify’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand is stepping down. Karen Lawson took on the role last June, and has not shared reasons for her departure. Continue Reading
Amazon Music launches artist data dashboard in beta
Amazon is launching analytics for performers using its streaming service. Amazon Music for Artists is available as an app for Android and iOS devices, with a companion website. The app is launching as a beta. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Digital AM radio. Rolling Stone industry profiles. Tencent in the Cayman Islands.
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Radio World tracks the digital AM push stateside. Take your Rolling Stone reporter to work. Tencent’s not-so-Chinese roots. Continue Reading