Quick Hits: Apple’s podcast front page. New numbers from Gaana.
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Measuring the impact of landing on Apple’s front page for a new podcast. Some recent statistics from Gaana. Continue Reading
News
Pandora launches university project blending music marketing and social causes
Pandora has introduced a program for universities that challenges students to put its internal data to work in creating social change. The Pandora Challenge: Music & Social Impact program will take place at five schools, and participants will work to drive awareness for cancer patients, LGTBQ equality, and other underserved communities through music. Continue Reading
Triton Digital hires market development director for Asia-Pacific
Triton Digital has hired Richard Palmer as its new Director of APAC Market Development. He will be responsible for managing publisher onboarding, as well as overseeing Triton’s relationships with agencies, trading desks, and trade associations in Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Continue Reading
Mixcloud lands first direct label deal with Warner, will add subscriptions
Digital audio service Mixcloud has secured its first major label direct licensing deal. The audio platform announced a partnership with Warner Music Group that will form the basis of a new subscription offering. Continue Reading
Listen to full songs from Apple Music in Facebook Messenger
Apple Music now has a bot for playback of full songs in Facebook Messenger. This is the first time a streaming service has been set up to allow users access to a complete track within that platform. Only Apple Music subscribers will be able to use the full-song functionality. Continue Reading
SoundCloud adds playlist data to analytics offering
SoundCloud added a critical new statistic to its analytics suite. Creators can now see information about how their work is being shared and heard on user playlists. It includes who is sharing their tracks in playlists and how many plays that collection has contributed for the track. Continue Reading
NuVoodoo study sees potential for radio success among Amazon Echo owners
Intelligence company NuVoodoo Media Services shared information about smart speaker ownership from its Ratings Prospects Study. The company asked almost 3,000 participants between the ages of 14 and 54 about the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot, and found an overall ownership rate of 15.5%. Continue Reading
Rivet Radio continues Scripps partnership for Alexa skills
Rivet Radio has continued its collaboration with E.W. Scripps to create audio skills for use with devices enabled with Amazon’s Alexa voice controls. Following the completion of a pilot program in Tampa, Scripps contracted Rivet to expand their Alexa skill program to eight more markets that went live in August. Continue Reading
Spotify hires former Pandora exec for publisher licensing role
Spotify has hired Adam Parness as its new head of global publisher licensing. Parness most recently spent about a year with Pandora as head of publisher licensing and relations. Continue Reading
Google launches two new smart speakers, Mini and Max
Google is expanding its footprint in the smart speaker space with two new products. The Google Home Mini is a puck-shaped option priced at $49. The Google Home Max is a larger version of the original Google Home with a more powerful sound system. Continue Reading
Sonos debuts new voice-controlled speaker
Sonos hosted a press event today to announce its latest developments in implementing voice controls into its wireless speaker product line, a pivot the company first announced in March 2016. First, the company introduced a new smart speaker with voice controls. Continue Reading
Panoply Media launches Pinna, an audiobook and podcast subscription for children
Podcasting company Panoply Media has unveiled a new audio service designed for children, featuring audiobooks and original podcast content. Pinna is intended for listeners aged 4 to 12. Original series on the ad-free iOS mobile app cover genres including mystery, fantasy, sports, bedtime stories, a game show, and a musical show. Continue Reading