Quick Hits: The Wild West. Spotify as MySpace.
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Music’s wild west frontier in distribution. Spotify, the new…MySpace? Continue Reading
News
YouTube has 1.5 billion global monthly users
Today marks the start of VidCon, the online video convention that brings together creators, industry representations, and fans of the still-exploding media format. The event is usually a chance for YouTube to announce new features or new statistics, and this year it has done both. Continue Reading
Apple Music loses an artist relations member
Dave Allen has stepped down from Apple Music’s artist relations team. The Gang of Four bassist spent three years with the streaming service, and was one of the artists involved at launch. He was with Beats Music before the company’s acquisition by Apple. Continue Reading
TuneIn sues Pandora over ad sales deal
TuneIn has filed a lawsuit against Pandora, alleging a breach of contract surrounding an ad deal, according to a report by Billboard. The radio streaming platform claims that did not meet ad sales goals or deliver payments during Q1 2017. Continue Reading
Two long-time directors depart Spotify’s board; four more join
Spotify has shaken up it board of directors. Two long-time members — Sean Parker and Klaus Hommels — have exited the board. With those two departures, four new directors were added. The individuals joining the board are the same ones first rumored to be new directors in May. Continue Reading
Pandora launches Sounds like Pride campaign
Pandora has announced a special campaign in honor of Pride month, with a station recognizing the many contributions of the LGTBQ+ community to music. The Sounds like Pride station highlights those performers. Many performers have also used Pandora’s Artist Audio Messages to contribute statements calling for tolerance, human rights, and inclusion. Continue Reading
Spotify adds group playlist collaboration within Facebook Messenger
Spotify secured a tighter tie with Facebook Messenger last year for sharing music with friends. Now, the music features have been expanded to add group playlists. With this update, multiple people can develop a single shared playlist through the social network. Continue Reading
TargetSpot helps Fox News show launch free podcast
Fox News show The Five has launched a new podcast through a partnership with TargetSpot. The involvement of digital audio ad company TargetSpot means that The Five audio show will be free to listeners and supported by advertisements. All of Fox News’ other program podcasts are available only by paid access. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Podcast music; Apple Music annual discount; video hires for Apple
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: A deep dive into composing podcast music. A year of Apple Music for $99. Apple hires Breaking Bad duo. Continue Reading
Westwood One and Nielsen debut audio data management platform
Westwood One announced that it is launching a new audio data management platform backed by tools from Nielsen. Westwood One is using the Nielsen Marketing Cloud and Nielsen’s own DMP to offer advertisers resources to make better buying decisions across the company’s over-the-air radio and streaming audio channels. Continue Reading
Google Play Music debuts recommendation playlist just for Galaxy S8 owners
Google is strengthening the ties between its music platform and the Samsung smartphone family. When the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus launched, Google Play Music was announced as their default music player. Now, those mobile devices are getting an exclusive feature within that music service called New Release Radio. Continue Reading
Nobex Partners launches app for 113FM Radio
Nobex Partners announced a collaboration with 113FM Radio, creating a custom app for the global online radio company. The app is designed to provide listeners with a comprehensive station experience. Continue Reading