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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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
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
RAIN published our annual Predictions feature in the first week of January. We challenged participants to predict a key metric in the RIAA 2019 report of streaming music revenue. Alexis van de Wyer and Steve Pratt were both right to a half percentage point. Continue Reading
HiStudios is going through a rebranding. The business was initially spun out from podcast company Himalaya last August. Now it is separating itself as an independent entity and will be renamed as Notorious. The split from Himalaya is effective immediately and, according to the press release, will allow both businesses to pursue their own strategic priorities for growth. Continue Reading
7digital, a digital music B2B company, has borrowed £500,000 from an unnamed lender. The loan is intended for working capital purposes, according to the company, which is recovering from a challenging 2018 and 2019. Continue Reading