Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: SoundCloud at the Grammys. Apple Music’s Grammy deal. Smart speakers’ language options. Singing in tongues. Continue Reading
The text of the EU Copyright Directive has been finalized, meaning the stage is set for a sweeping legal update that could have unintended consequences for online communication in the bloc. With the final language decided, new revisions cannot be made and the legislation will go to the European Parliament’s legal affairs committee ahead of a final vote, which is expected to occur in March or April. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group’s fourth-quarter results have been posted by parent company Vivendi, capping a big year and leaving any potential buyers with more information about what the label has to offer. UMG’s revenue for the period totaled €6.023 billion. Continue Reading
Spotify’s latest original podcast is a collaboration with BBC Studios. The streaming service commissioned the UK broadcaster for a show titled Stay Free: The Story of The Clash. Continue Reading
Spotify has filed a 20-F with the SEC — that is a format for filing an annual report by companies of non-U.S. ownership. In it, Spotify discloses the cost of acquiring Gimlet Media and Anchor, and it is about 47% higher than the previously reported (rumored) amount. Continue Reading
Qobuz has launched in the United States, a long-awaited move from the hybrid download and streaming service. The company, based in France, focuses on audio, with a library of 40 million CD quality tracks and millions more that are hi-res. Continue Reading
ESPN is reinforcing its reputation as a leading audio sports brand by releasing results from the subscription-only Share of Ear survey by Edison Research. The media company’s talk shows, live events, local broadcast radio, and podcasts are responsible for almost half (46%) of all sports radio listenership in the United States in 2018. Continue Reading
Slate’s Slow Burn is the latest podcast to make the leap to the small screen. The popular show, which profiled the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon’s resignation, has been greenlit for a six-episode adaptation from Epix. Continue Reading
After lots of rumbles and rumors, a seismic change could be on the horizon for the major labels. Vivendi appears to be moving ahead with plans to sell up to a 50% stake in Universal Music Group by the end of 2019. If this sale does happen, it will cause a ripple effect across the music industry. Continue Reading
Europe’s efforts for copyright law overhaul were controversial when they first progressed through Parliament, and the Copyright Directive measures have only become more contentious over time. Article 13 in particular could have far-reaching implications for not just copyright law, but the foundations of how people communicate and create on the Internet. Continue Reading
Billboard has released its annual Power 100 list, ranking some of the music industry’s most influential leaders. The major labels took several high-ranking spots, but the impact of streaming made its presence known on this chart. Continue Reading
Spotify is seeing its ad-supported revenue growing, and it wants to keep it that way. The company has updated its user guidelines with new language to prevent ad blockers, as well as bots and what it broadly calls “fradulent streaming activities.” Continue Reading