Spotify has introduced a new feature for streamlining the process of submitting unreleased music for consideration on its curated playlists. The feature is in beta testing on the Spotify for Artists and Spotify Analytics dashboards. Continue Reading
Today NPR and Edison Research released the latest edition of The Smart Audio Report, an ongoing consumer survey of how American adults are acquiring and using smart speakers. The information was released in an online webinar presented by Edison Senior Vice President Tom Webster. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired a musician to help build a hub centered on Arab music and culture for the platform. Suhel Nafar, a Palestinian musician, is now a senior editor for the streaming service and will work out of its New York office. The Middle East has been a region of growth for digital audio advertising. Continue Reading
Germany, one of the last markets of CD dominance, has finally seen streaming eclipse physical formats. In the first half of 2018, the country’s music industry saw revenue of €727 million, down 2% on-year. The period saw digital revenue overtake physical for the first time. Continue Reading
Trebel, a new music app focused on offline listening, announced its official launch in the United States and Mexico. The program has position itself as an option for listeners who currently find offline playback from music video sites or unlicensed platforms. Continue Reading
The team behind popular podcast S-Town is being sued over claims that it exploited the life of its main subject for financial gain. The estate of John B. McLemore has sued host and creator Brian Reed, Serial Productions, This American Life, Chicago Public Media, and others. Continue Reading
Qobuz announced three new hires who will help the hi-definition streaming platform with its United States launch later this year. Dan Mackta is the new managing director of Qobuz USA. The other new hires are Ted Cohen and David Soloman. Continue Reading
Deezer announced that it has expanded access to its high-fidelity, CD-quality listening tier. Deezer HiFi is now available worldwide on select models of Samsung soundbars and wireless speakers. Continue Reading
audioBoom announced new hires at two of its international offices. The audio and podcasting company has hired Mike Newman as head of content partnerships in the UK, and Umesh Barve as head of partnerships in India. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Entercom exec’s audio snapshot. A podcasting history lesson. Best podcast episodes of the year (so far). Roger Lynch’s Bloomberg interview. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web. Stories include another view on Nielsen mid-year data and a Pandora exec talking about the audio advertising landscape. Continue Reading
ASCAP shared the results from two court proceedings against broadcast radio stations from Royce International Broadcasting Corporation in California. The stations, KFRH-FM, KREV-FM, and KRCK-FM, will pay the performing rights organization more than $1.5 million in license fees, costs, attorneys’ fees, and statutory damages. Continue Reading