Internet Radio Rewind #58: BBC reinvention; record-breaking music royalties; Pandora’s free day; more

A weekly podcast from RAIN News

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The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: 200-page BBC report reinvents the mission; record-setting royalty collections in the U.S.; Pandora celebrates an anniversary; more. Continue Reading

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MixRadio outlines big plans for Indonesian market

MixRadio is setting its sights on the Indonesian market. In an interview with the Jakarta Globe, Asia-Pacific Director Jamie Robertson explained that the music service is making Indonesia one of its top three priority markets. Indonesia has a reputation as a market with extensive piracy, but Robertson does not see those activities as a threat to the legal streaming option offered by MixRadio. Continue Reading

BBC offers first details about future personalized radio service

Earlier this week, the BBC released its plans for adapting its services to support digital and online media platforms. The report was mostly about the big picture plans, but a new blog post goes into some detail about the vision for a new radio experience. Mark Friend, interactive controller for BBC Radio and Music, explained the goal of letting every listener have their own personalized radio station. “This will be based on understanding what you normally listen to, what you like, what you don’t like and linking this to factors such as time, location and what device you’re listening on,” he said. Continue Reading

On the Move: Changes afoot at Shazam, Saga Communications, Rhode Island Public Radio, Rdio, and Google Play

On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. The latest changes are a departure at Shazam, a promotion at Saga Communications, a new hire at Rhode Island Public Radio, and a switch from Rdio to Google Play. Continue Reading

Test Drive: If you liked them before they sold out, you’ll like Spotify’s Found Them First

Spotify has a new feature catering to those listeners who are ahead of the trends. It’s called Found Them First, and the tool scours your listening history to see if you were streaming any artists before they hit the big time. The streaming platform defined breakout artists as act that have surpassed 20 million total streams with a growth rate of at least 2,000% between January 2013 and June 2015. Continue Reading

Recording Academy launches grassroots support for Fair Pay Fair Play Act

The U.S. Recording Academy is planning a grassroots initiative to help promote the Fair Pay Fair Play Act. The campaign will see more than 1,600 of the Academy’s members visiting their local representatives and policy-makers on Oct. 14 to voice their support for the legislation. Continue Reading

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BBC report commits to Internet-only future, plans new music streaming product

In its latest report, the BBC has outlined its approach to adapting to an increasingly online media landscape. The broadcaster laid out a ten-year plan that aims to equally cater to those people who have gone all-in on digital services and to those who still prefer to use traditional channels. “We will be moving to an Internet-fit BBC, to be ready for an Internet-only world whenever it comes,” the report said. Continue Reading