Shazam presents fun ‘musical twin towns’ site
What does Barcelona have in common with Tunis, Tunisia? How about Tokyo and Asuncion, Paraguay? Musical curiosity, according to Shazam. Continue Reading
News
Test Drive: Newest version of NPR One adds excellent options
The last time we took a close look at NPR One, the innovative audio mobile app from the public broadcaster, was right at its launch. The app has kicked off the new year with an update that beefs up the browsing and discovery options. Version 1.6 adds a fresh layer of personalization and flexibility to the already excellent app. Continue Reading
On the Move: Staying the course at Sony/ATV, iHeartMedia
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves are lateral more than upward, as both Sony/ATV and iHeartMedia announced news about retaining their top leadership. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Serial’s new schedule; public radio and podcasting; One Direction’s tour revenue
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: A new schedule for Serial; in-depth with WNYC’s plans for podcasting; tour revenue analysis for One Direction. Continue Reading
DGital Media announces new podcast hosted by NFL talent
DGital Media has launched another podcast on its roster of sports programming. “The Ochocinco and Dukes Podcast” will be hosted by a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals and an NFL Network commentator. Continue Reading
SoundCloud secures Universal Music licensing deal
At long last, SoundCloud has signed a licensing deal with Universal Music Group. This deal allows Universal to collect revenue from instances where its catalog appears on the audio platform. SoundCloud has been working to get pen to paper on this agreement for many months. Continue Reading
Data finds podcast hosts skew male and white
In August, we shared a Wired article that questioned the narrow demographic group that has been dominating the growing podcast space, noting that the limited viewpoints could limit the format’s reach. New data from Quartz confirms that bias among the people sitting down behind the mic. Continue Reading
South Korea’s Kakao takes over MelOn streaming service
South Korean tech and mobile conglomerate Kakao has assumed ownership of MelOn, the country’s top streaming and downloaded music provider. Buying out the 76.4% stake in parent company Loen Entertainment for 1.87 trillion won (about $1.55 billion) adds an entertainment facet to Kakao’s diverse holdings. Continue Reading
SoundCloud starts 2016 with fundraising round
SoundCloud has raised 300 million krona (about $35 million) in debt funding. A representative for the online audio platform confirmed the arrangement with investment firm Tennenbaum Capital Partners. Continue Reading
Apple Music hits 10 million subs
Apple Music has reportedly surpassed 10 million paying subscribers. Inside sources told Financial Times (paywall) that the new streaming platform reached the milestone after just six months on the market. Continue Reading
Small webcasters enter the unknown of 2016
Things have gotten real for small webcasters. December 31 came and went like a silent specter, as the law which gave special royalty rates to hobby and semi-pro online radio stations expired, its death seemingly unattended by the institutions which have power to revive or replace it. Perspectives from copyright attorney Kevin Goldberg and StreamLicensing founder Marvin Glass. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Round two from CES 2016
Brief news items and worthy reads, another round of articles stemming from CES. Read on for connected cars vs radio; Pandora SVP’s car talk; and iHeart partners for VR. Continue Reading