Universal Music Group posted its financial results for 2016. The company reported total revenue of nearly €5.27 billion ($5.83 billion) and total recorded music revenue of €4.19 billion ($4.63 billion). Streaming revenue outpaced physical music sales for the first time at UMG. Continue Reading
PRX and iHeartRadio are collaborating on a day of live podcast performances at SXSW. Podcasts are usually put through re-recording and editing in order to get a polished final episode, so the trend of live recordings poses a challenge for the producers. Continue Reading
Gracenote has launched connected databases for video, music, and sports metadata. By connecting these three topics, Gracenote makes a broad set of information available to global entertainment providers and makers of smart devices. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Andy Bowers talks podcasting’s future. Alex Da Kid discusses independent music companies. Continue Reading
PayPal led a survey about digital media consumers. The global survey covered 10 markets and about 10,000 consumers about their digital media habits. According to the results, 86% of music consumers listen on their smartphones, making it the top hardware choice for listening. Continue Reading
One day before RAIN’s Online Audio Advertising Summit, celebrity podcaster Payne Lindsey, Fresh from appearances on Good Morning America and Nightline, the creator and host of Up and Vanished will join the “Podcast Advertising 360” panel. The four-hour morning event features over 20 speakers and exceptional networking. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a partnership with Univision designed to highlight up-and-coming Latin music artists. As part of this initiative, Univision viewers will get an exclusive two-month extended free trial of Deezer Premium+. Continue Reading
Amazon is continuing the talent grab for its music operations. The latest hire is Kelly Rich, who will be senior label relations manager for Nashville. Continue Reading
Podcast company Midroll Media announced three new hires for its executive team. These additions further expand the podcast talent pool under the E.W. Scripps umbrella; Scripps acquired Midroll Media in July 2015 and then purchased podcast listening app Stitcher from Deezer in June 2016. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: TV still a music springboard; Vertigo, the latest experiment in social listening. Continue Reading
Tidal announced the hire of two industry leaders to newly created roles on its content team. Tony Gervino will assume the role of VP, culture and content, while Elliott Wilson’s new title is editorial director, culture and content, hip-hop. Continue Reading
Soundtrack Your Brand has received financing of $22 million. Nordic VC fund Industrifonden and the U.K.’s Balderton Capital led the found. The company, which is backed by Spotify and founded by former Spotify execs, is a B2B version of the streaming service. Continue Reading