High 5 Media announced that it has acquired a majority interest in Spoke Media, a Dallas-based podcast company focused on branded audio. Spoke Media was founded by award-winning audiobook director Keith Reynolds. The company has created podcasts for Wondery, Midroll Media, Cinestate, The Dallas Morning News, and Busch. Continue Reading
Pandora announced a promotion for Lauren Nagel, a long-time exec with the audio company. Her new title is VP, Executive Creative Director, and in this role, she’ll be responsible for more broadly overseeing creative advertising work. Continue Reading
Corus Entertainment, one of Canada’s major radio/TV networks, has hired Dila Velazquez as Manager of Content/Audience Development. She will report to the recently appointed Chris “Dunner” Duncombe, who became Director, Streaming & Podcasting in March. Continue Reading
Apple Music has reportedly launched a new division for music publication. According to Music Business Worldwide, the division will work in operations, commercial, publisher relations, and A&R. The unit will be led by Elena Segal, who has been promoted from legal director of iTunes International to Global Director of Music Publishing for Apple Music. Continue Reading
Mixcloud has secured a multi-territory licensing deal with ICE, a group offering music royalties administration across several European regions. The license for Mixcloud covers the repertoire from PRS for Music (UK), STIM (Sweden), and GEMA (Germany). Continue Reading
B2B music provider 7digital announced two developments. The company has partnered with Powerchord for a three-year deal in live music and events with the Peex brand. In addition, 7digital has been expanding the launch of streaming music service Juke, a collaboration with partner MediaMarktSaturn. Continue Reading
Canalys has released its latest numbers on smart speaker sales, and the research firm found that Google beat out Amazon for most units sold globally in Q1 2018. Overall, sales in this product category rose 210% to 9 million units based on Canalys’ accounting. Continue Reading
Today brings dual announcements from Pandora. First, the audio platform has completed its acquisition of AdsWizz, which was initially presented in March. The second item is Pandora’s addition of a family plan. Continue Reading
AdLarge’s podcast unit, cabana, is diving into the hugely successful category of true crime by taking in Crime Junkie, a show which started in December. Continue Reading
Music video publisher Vevo will shutter its branded apps and video website in the near future. YouTube will become Vevo’s main distribution platform. At the same time, the company’s statement leaves the door open to other distribution partnerships. Continue Reading
Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the independent label sector, is sending out a 10th-birthday notice. To mark the milestone, Merlin is announcing three hires. the agency started operating in May, 2008, with three people. It now employs 21 people across four offices on three continents, serving tens of thousands of indie labels. Continue Reading
While there is no earnings call for iHeartMedia scheduled during the media giant’s bankruptcy process, the normal regulatory filing (10-Q) was made. From that document, a few interesting points can be gleaned. Continue Reading