With Pandora and iHeartRadio exploring mid-priced music services (both named “Plus” and priced identically at $4.99/month, with similar features), the question of consumer uptake arises. Will music lovers buy into semi-interactive services that cost half as much as fully on-demand music platforms? MusicWatch tackles the question with a new survey. Continue Reading
Pandora’s stock spiked after CNBC reported that the online audio company was open to acquisition talks with Sirius XM. Shares rose more than 9% on Friday on the rumor. Tim Westergren, Pandora’s CEO, has been vocal about his lack of interest in selling off his company. Continue Reading
Singaporean telecom Singtel announced that it is adding Tidal to its suite of data-free music plans. The Singtel Music program, which launched in the beginning of 2016, offers customers of the telecom several global and domestic music services without counting against their data plans. Spotify, KKBOX, and Saavn are among those included. Continue Reading
Napster is introducing some new features to its mobile product. The changes include a collaboration with headphone-maker Even to offer customized audio tuning in each ear with a feature dubbed EarPrint. Napster is also rolling out a streamlined home screen and a greater focus on personalized recommendations through the app. Continue Reading
The IFPI and WIN (Worldwide Independent Network) released a report on the investments music labels make into the industry. It’s an interesting data set about how this portion of the music machine operates, especially when it comes to artists seeking new ways to distribute their work in a digital economy. Continue Reading
Apple Music is expanding its student pricing option to several new markets. There are now more than 30 countries where a less expensive tier is available to listeners in school. Continue Reading
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has released the 2016 edition of its digital radio report. Digital radio was responsible for 45.5% of total listening hours in Q3 2016. In some local areas, it has surpassed half of listening time. Continue Reading
Original programming is the latest trend when it comes to streaming video, but streaming audio is also getting in on the act. Spotify is launching two new programs focused on sharing original musical recordings. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: “Audio is the new video.” Best practices in radio ads. An audio celebration for a legendary boutique creative shop. Continue Reading
The reVolver podcast network is making its shows available on iHeartRadio. The company’s programming targets U.S. Hispanic listeners with both English- and Spanish-language content. Continue Reading
VuHaus has added Houston Public Media as its newest affiliate. The platform, a non-profit for music discovery, hosts video content from several public radio partners. VuHaus’ hosted videos range from studio performances to live clips from special events. Continue Reading
Amazon Music is continuing its steamrolling push into the modern music landscape. The company has hired Nathan Brackett as its new head of editorial. Brackett was most recently executive editor for Rolling Stone, and he’d been with the music magazine since 1996. Continue Reading