ART19, the podcast technology and advertiser services company, has announced an ambitious and acquisitive move into South Korea, a country with 51-million people who are more engaged with podcasts than any other national population in the world. One acquisition, four exclusive agreements, and a new company. Continue Reading
Streaming audio service Deezer announced that it has partnered with Facebook’s Portal TV platform. Last fall, the social media company introduced a dedicated video calling device, and now has expanded its hardware efforts to include this smart TV. Continue Reading
Napster has entered a partnership with Super Hi-Fi, an artificial intelligence company that offers tools to improve audio transitions and customization. The parties will collaborate to provide businesses with personalized music listening experiences. Continue Reading
Merlin has secured a licensing deal with up-and-coming streaming platform Boomplay Music. The streaming service serves listeners in Africa, with headquarters in Nigeria and ownership by China’s Transsnet Music Limited. Continue Reading
Merlin, the independent label organization, is relocating its headquarters. The group, which has been centered in Amsterdam, is moving to Dublin in a corporate restructuring. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a deal with a telecom in the Middle East. The streaming service is offering a free bundle to customers of the Saudi Telecom Company. Continue Reading
Triton Digital announced that it has integrated a new tool into its Audio Ad Server for the audio and podcast industry. The company entered a partnership to use the MediaSales Traffic platform from Wedel Software, an international provider of broadcast software solutions. Continue Reading
Ole Obermann has been hired by mobile short-form video app TikTok as its vice president and global head of music. The former Warner Music Group digital exec joined the company in October. Continue Reading
Student discounts to streaming services are not new, and classical specialist Idagio is leveraging that user acquisition strategy. The pitch is based on the idea that classical music fosters relaxation, brain benefits, better sleep, and lower stress — in time for final exams. Continue Reading
Pandora announced the full rollout of its latest mobile redesign. The new look was introduced to a limited number of users in October. Its new features include a personalized “For You” section and the Pandora Modes option for tweaking the curation algorithms of a station. Continue Reading
The Reuters Institute has published its foundational Digital News Report 2019. It mentions podcasting 186 times. A key point is a so-called Pivot to Audio, which describes how phones and smart speakers are fostering the growth in podcast news shows. Continue Reading
The UK is experiencing a surge in audiobook popularity. Deloitte’s latest projections anticipate that audiobooks will generate UK revenue of £115 million in 2020 and outpace sales of ebooks. A similar growth curve is happening in the U.S. Continue Reading