SoundCloud adds artist-seeded Stations
SoundCloud is expanding its Station feature. The lean-back streams can now be seeded from an artist, with a new Start Station button now appearing on all performers’ profiles. Continue Reading
News
AdsWizz and National Public Media form podcast-specific advertising marketplace
AdsWizz took advantage of this week’s Podcast Movement conference in Chicago, and the resulting intense focus on podcasting, to announce PodWave — the first podcast-specific advertising marketplace. National Public Media is the launch partner. Continue Reading
The Download on Podcasts: In search of standard measurement
Podcast listening measurement is a notorious problem — depending on who you ask. Some network owners perform their own analytics, and drive business forward based on them. But advertisers want to bring order to podcasting, so they can better measure the opportunity. Continue Reading
Columbia’s WKCR is airing online once again
The online stream of Columbia University’s WKCR station is back in business after a several months of silence. The organization suspended its online simulcasts in January, although it was tight-lipped about the exact reasons for the hiatus. Continue Reading
[UPDATE] Spotify accuses Apple of using App Store approval “as a weapon;” Apple responds
Following on yesterday’s barbs, Spotify is making another, more aggressive attack against Apple Music. A lawyer from Spotify sent a letter to the rival streaming service stating that Apple Music is causing harm to Spotify and its customers by rejecting an iOS update to its app. [Update: Apple responds.] Continue Reading
Apple in acquisition talks with Tidal, but will it really happen?
Apple has entered into discussions with Tidal about a potential acquisition. The Wall Street Journal reported that the two parties have been in talks, citing unnamed people familiar with the proceedings. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable pairing. Both Tidal and Apple Music have been focused on creating artist-friendly services, each securing some coups in exclusive releases over the past month. But digging a little deeper, Tidal’s recent accomplishments might cast doubt on the tie-up. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Wireless headphones; streaming needs age; and live podcast shows
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Apple’s lack of jack not the end of headphones; streaming needs older listeners; live podcast tapings create community. Continue Reading
Tuned Global launches new music app in Indonesia
Tuned Global unveiled a new music app for the Indonesian market called Nada Kita. The free app is the result of Tuned Global’s partnerships with several independent labels in the region. It has several curated stations from local music editors and places a focus on artist engagement. Continue Reading
First ever Broadway show livestream airing tonight
Livestreaming is a hot topic for tech and entertainment, and now Broadway is getting in on the act. For the first time ever, a major Broadway show will be streamed live. She Loves Me will air on June 30 at 8:00 pm ET. Continue Reading
Senator Warren criticizes Apple Music in broad speech about big tech
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) gave a speech about business competition with some pointed remarks about three of the top tech companies in the U.S. She criticized Google, Apple, and Amazon for using their size and clout to limit inroads from other companies, particularly smaller upstarts. Continue Reading
DoJ announces consent decree decision: No change, plus a new rule
The U.S. Department of Justice has completed its much anticipated two-year review of consent decrees — decades-old laws which govern how ASCAP and BMI are permitted to license music on behalf of songwriters, composers, and publishers. The bottom line: No change, and a blow to the two major performing rights organizations (PROs) which have lobbied for more flexible control of rights management, especially in the streaming era. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Norm Pattiz, Apple Music, algorithms sans context and radio’s creative disruption
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Norm Pattiz preaches podcasting in Cannes; Content is key in Apple Music strategy; “I hate the person my music algorithm thinks I am;” public radio leader lays out radio’s creative disruption. Continue Reading