Quick Hits: Universal’s top lawyer and Gimlet’s surprise drama
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Interview with Universal’s top lawyer; show cancellation at Gimlet sparks questions. Continue Reading
News
T-Mobile’s Music Freedom subject to investigation in the Netherlands
T-Mobile’s Music Freedom program is under investigation by a Dutch regulator. The Authority for Consumers and Markets will examine whether it creates an unfair disadvantage for competing services under the Netherlands’ net neutrality rules. Continue Reading
Music Biz adds streaming execs to board
The Music Business Association announced two new additions to its board of directors. The newest members are Elizabeth Moody, vice president of global content licensing at Pandora, and Rob Harvey, head of label relations in North America for Spotify. In addition to the new members from streaming companies, Matt Signore was elected as the board’s new treasurer. Continue Reading
Westwood One gets Jerry Springer podcast
Famed television talk show host Jerry Springer is among the celebrities who have jumped on the podcasting bandwagon. His weekly show – Tales, Tunes & Tomfoolery – is now on Westwood One’s podcast and on-demand platform via audioBoom. Continue Reading
Merlin opens new office in Japan
Independent label network and rights agency Merlin announced the opening of a new office in Japan. “Merlin was conceived as an outward-looking global organisation, and the Japanese market will be of paramount importance to our international membership,” Merlin CEO Charles Caldas said. Continue Reading
BitTorrent ends streaming experiment and makes staff cuts
BitTorrent announced plans for a limited streaming service in June, but that experiment appears to have been short-lived. The company has reportedly shut down the BitTorrent Now streaming operation, sources told Variety. The business also fired the co-CEOs it hired back in April, Robert Delamar and Jeremy Johnson, and laid off an unknown number of other staff members. Continue Reading
Vevo names Jon Gisby as Head of Europe
Vevo has hired Jon Gisby its new Head of Europe. He joins the company after working on the BBC’s digital strategy and running content and services at UK ISP Freeserve. In this new role, he will be responsible for delivering Vevo’s plans for content, technology, and monetization in that market. Jon Gisby has been a forward-looking executive during a career with many parts. Continue Reading
Soundtrap completes $6 million funding round
A mobile music app dubbed Soundtrap has finished a $6 million funding round. The company is developing a cloud-based music-making platform that allows for easy collaboration. The latest funding will go toward accelerating product development and rolling out in new markets. Continue Reading
CBS Radio gets new EVP of digital: J.D. Crowley
CBS Radio has announced that J.D. Crowley, previously head of digital media for CBS Television Distribution, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Digital, for CBS Radio. In the New York office Crowley will report to CBS Radio President Andre Fernandez. Continue Reading
8tracks raises $2M and plans shift to subscription model
8tracks, a unique playlisting service that has moved in and out of profitability during the last several years, sent an email to investors yesterday disclosing results of a funding campaign, and announcing an upcoming shift of its business model. 8tracks will move away from ad-supported listening, becoming mainly a subscription service. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Podcasting in India; music in the New Establishment
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Indian podcasting will boom in a few years; music leaders rank among the New Establishment. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio arrives in Canada
iHeartRadio is launching in Canada this month. Plans to go north were first announced in January, when parent company iHeartMedia entered a partnership with Bell Media. Now the pair have set Oct. 10 as the official launch date, but Bell Media is making the service available now as part of a special preview period. Continue Reading