Quick Hits: Japan and vinyl; Spotify playlists; podcasting salaries
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Japan and the vinyl trend; more on Spotify playlists; how much do podcasting pros actually make? Continue Reading
News
Facebook Messenger brings more Spotify options to chat
Spotify has been tightening its integration with Facebook, particularly with the social network’s direct chat system. After an initial integration in 2016, followed by capabilities for group playlist creation in June, Facebook Messenger can now offer Spotify music recommendations. Continue Reading
Omny Studio now powering CBS Radio’s podcasts
Omny Studio has entered an agreement to license its platform to CBS Radio. The arrangement grants CBS Radio access to Omny Studio’s podcast hosting, analytics, and social sharing tools. Australia-based Omny will provide infrastructure for the more than 350 original and on-demand podcasts that comprise CBS’ audio programming. Continue Reading
Pandora settles on new CEO: Roger Lynch from Sling TV
Pandora announced that Roger Lynch, Founding CEO of Sling TV, is the new Chief Executive of Pandora starting September 18. Lynch will replace Interim CEO Naveen Chopra, who will resume his previous role as CFO. The announcement came just after the U.S. market close. P stock is up over 4% at this writing, in the after-hours market. Continue Reading
TuneIn raises $50 million for content expansion
TuneIn has raised $50 million in support of growing its online radio portfolio. Marker LLC, IVP and Comcast Ventures led the funding round, which sources told Bloomberg values TuneIn at about $500 million. The money will go toward the rights for live sporting events and original programming. Continue Reading
ASCAP hires new chief technology officer
ASCAP announced that Tristan Boutros has joined the performing rights organization as its chief technology officer. In this role, he will lead ASCAP’s technology strategy and execution, guiding projects such as elastic computing, cloud tech, and the API roadmap. Boutros most recently worked as chief of operations at The New York Times, with prior work at Warner Music Group, BlackBerry, and IAC. Continue Reading
Spotify mobilizing for Thailand launch
Spotify is hosting an event later this month where it is expected to announce its launch in Thailand. The streaming platform’s Bangkok event is scheduled for August 22. The subscription costs will likely be revealed at that time. Continue Reading
Facebook introduces Watch video platform
For the past several months, we’ve been reporting on the wave of musical hires at Facebook. The social network has mobilized an in-house team, including licensing and business development professionals. Now, we might be seeing where those experts will be focusing their efforts. Continue Reading
Dot-radio domains to go on sale this month
The European Broadcasting Union is about to embark on the primary launch phase for access to dot-radio domain names. The domains are intended exclusively for broadcaster unions, broadcast radio stations, internet radio stations, radio amateurs, DJs, radio hosts, news people, and radio-related companies. Continue Reading
SoundCloud saved by new investor deal; new CEO and COO; founder steps down
SoundCloud has reached an agreement with two investors to close a new round of financing. The Raine Group and Temasek have agreed to supply the service with “the largest financing round in the history of SoundCloud.” Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Gender on the charts; Spotify update; release date strategy
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Where are the women? Updated Spotify desktop app display. New music…Thursdays? Continue Reading
Rumor Fact(ory): SoundCloud investor decision could come tomorrow
SoundCloud’s current financial struggles may be reaching their final act. Axios business editor Dan Primack has shared information from a missive reportedly sent to SoundCloud shareholders that said Friday is the do-or-die date for the company to accept or reject its present reorganization proposal. Primack claims that CEO Alexander Ljung said that if the proposal is rejected, SoundCloud may not be able ”to continue as a going concern.” Continue Reading