Indie music service Drip announced plans to close on March 18. For five years, Drip provided a platform for direct-to-fan subscription music. Artists and labels used the flexible service to distribute exclusive content to fans, offer discounted event admission, sell special edition merchandise, and more. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group reported its 2015 financial results, which demonstrated continued growth for streaming and subscription services. The two formats doubled their share to account for 24% of the company’s total recorded music revenue. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web, all focused on podcasts and podcasting. Read on for questions about podcasts vs advertisers; Nielsen talking audience data; and why Gimlet Media doesn’t have an app. Continue Reading
ZenoRadio, a specialist in radio services for the U.S. diaspora communities, announced the launch of an in-house broadcasting platform debuting today. ZenoLive offers audio broadcast tools with extensive interactive features for smartphones or laptops. Continue Reading
Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi is shuttering its streaming service Now. The company informed subscribers that its Now platform will close on March 17. No reason was given. Continue Reading
Vevo has been taking steps to differentiate its service from YouTube, and its CEO has said that the company is planning to launch a subscription tier for its videos. Speaking at the Code/Media conference, Erik Huggers said that adding a premium offering was likely in the future. Continue Reading
RAIN and Presslaff Interactive are pleased to announce Dialing In: How Do You Find The Data Signal?, an industry survey for professionals in broadcast, online audio, technology, consulting, and agencies. This concise survey is designed to be quick, revealing, and to… Continue Reading
In November, we reported on rumors that Apple Music may have had plans in the works to beef up the role of video in its burgeoning streaming service. Recently, more of the pieces are starting to fall into place, creating a picture of what Apple may have as its immediate vision for video. Continue Reading
Former Univision exec Jack Hobbs is returning to media with the launch of Revolver Podcasts. The podcast network will offer bilingual on-demand audio aimed at a multicultural audience. It has 30 shows on the roster so far and will also have original audio novellas, serialized audio programming, livestreamed music festivals, and branded content initiatives. Continue Reading
Radionomy announced an addition to its executive team: Erik Portier, formerly of Google and founder of several tech companies. Portier will work in the Radionomy Group HQ in Brussels and is tasked with expanding the European presence of Radionomy-owned ad agency TargetSpot. Continue Reading
Shortly after the launch of Rihanna’s Anti spiked Tidal membership, another of the platform’s artist/owners is experimenting with using it for exclusive access. Kanye West released his new album, The Life of Pablo, on Tidal, but it has had vastly more complicated results. Continue Reading
The BBC is reportedly planning some major organizational changes, kicking off a potential merger of its radio and TV divisions with sweeping layoffs. Financial considerations are paramount — at the same time, re-organizing around content brands rather than technology platforms could make sense for consumers. Continue Reading