YouTube Music Key entered its beta almost a year ago, and since then, we’ve been waiting and seeking any minor hint about when and how that launch will happen. According to reports from Re/code, the latest sign seems to point to the date being later this fall. Continue Reading
Budget grocery chain Aldi announced that it is launching a streaming music service that will only be available in its home market of Germany. It’s build on Napster’s full streaming catalog and has no freemium option. Continue Reading
7digital reported its financial results for the first half of 2015, which it dubbed one of the first reflections “on which the success of the new company created from the merger of UBC Media and 7digital can be observed.” CEO Simon Cole also reflected on the state of the digital music industry. Lastly, 7digital has added support for Google Cast. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Saavn adds new investor; the Internet as popularity echo chamber; a profile of the Russian music biz. Continue Reading
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The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Crunching RIAA numbers; the value of ad-supported listening; streaming milestone; the return of Earbits; Deezer’s announcement. Continue Reading
The new digital plans for the BBC aren’t going to be adults-only. Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s, laid out details of the broadcaster’s Big Digital Plan for Children. That plan includes the expected launch a new iPlayer aimed specifically at content for kids. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Industry insider breaks down labels vs musician math; PPM killing HD radio; using mobile devices for surround sound. Continue Reading
Beats 1 has added three new artist-led shows to its programming roster, with more artist hosts to be announced in the coming weeks. Zane Lowe also talked about the philosophy behind having performers participate behind the mic at Beats 1 in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Continue Reading
Earbits announced that it has been acquired by You42 The online radio company had a near-death experience last year, shuttering for about three days before a mysterious benefactor swept in to save the day. After a year of working with You42 under wraps, the newly owned Earbits is ready to launch new releases of its iOS and Android apps next month. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Pandora CEO advocates role of ad-supported streaming; when regional streaming services favor telecoms; ad blockers good for radio? Continue Reading
SAG-AFTRA’s roughly 160,000 members have ratified a new successor deal with the recording industry. Last month, the organization set out the details of the three-year arrangement, which included a new payment formula for revenue generated outside the U.S. by online streaming and non-permanent digital downloads. Continue Reading
Bite-sized news app Rivet Radio, released upgraded versions of its Android and iOS apps, and announced a new key partnership with Radiate Media which adds real-time, geo-targeted traffic updates to the news programming. Continue Reading