Quick Hits: Sony’s contract with Spotify; more critiques of safe harbor laws
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Sony/Spotify contract leaked (then removed); another songwriting exec critiques safe harbor laws. Continue Reading
News
On the Move: Executive shuffles at ASCAP and a new face at Sinfini Music
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. The latest moves: ASCAP appoints Michael Martin to head ASCAP Nashville, while Karen Sherry retires. Sinfini Music also hires a new head of content. Continue Reading
UK’s RAJAR data shows overall radio listening down, but digital rising
The UK’s Radio Joint Audience Research released its data from the first quarter of 2015. The latest information revealed a slight decline in overall radio listening, but posted improvements in the rates of digital radio uptake in the region. The total number of Q1 2015 listeners declined about 50,000 people from the same quarter of 2014. In contrast, digital radio has been consistently increasing its share of listeners, growing from 20.1% in Q1 2009 to 39.6% in Q1 2015. Continue Reading
As investments pile up, podcasting assumes a new place in audio
Sponsored by PodcastOne
Financial, talent, and product investments are raising podcasts to a new stature in the streaming audio landscape. We review recent investment news, and look at what podcasting might become as the category quickly matures. Podcasting is drawing up a seat to the table. Continue Reading
The new Spotify: Podcasts, video, smart running music, and a new start screen
At today’s Spotify Event, held in the company’s New York office, CEO Daniel Ek and other senior leaders announced and demonstrated new features that will roll out in updated apps starting today. There are three main parts of Spotify’s announcement. “Life with Spotify will never be the same,” CEO Daiel Ek said. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: The Great Escape; ASCAP still fighting Pandora; digital audio ads in the UK; a look at Pakistan’s Patari
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Two streaming talks at The Great Escape; ASCAP not done fighting Pandora; digital audio ads growing slowly in the UK; a profile of Pakistani streaming service Patari. Continue Reading
CEO of UK copyright agency calls for changes to improve streaming for songwriters
Robert Ashcroft, CEO of PRS for Music, spoke about the concerns for UK publishers and songwriters at the performing rights organization’s annual general meeting. His critiques were focused on online platforms that thrive on user-generated content, such as YouTube and SoundCloud. Ashcroft said those services have been unfairly benefiting from safe harbor laws. Continue Reading
Pandora to acquire data company Next Big Sound
Data, and more data. Pandora announced this morning its acquisition of music analytics company Next Big Sound. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Continue Reading
Deezer launches Stitcher integration, adding news and entertainment to music catalog
Global on-demand music service Deezer is announcing today the integration of Stitcher audio programs, following Deezer’s acquisition of the long-established podcast app in October. The integration mixes news, entertainment, and sports programs to Deezer’s 35-million-song music catalog. Continue Reading
France making renewed push on digital radio
France’s Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel, also known as the CSA, has announced that it plans to launch a public consultation about digital terrestrial radio by the end of May. This consultation is expected to decide which regions of the country should be the next to receive digital radio infrastructure. More than a dozen French cities are up for consideration, and the new digital stations are projected to go on-air by September 2016. Continue Reading
Audible pivots further into podcasting with plans for original content
Audible made its name in the digital space selling subscriptions to audiobooks. Now, as podcasting’s star continues to rise, the Amazon-owned company appears to be shifting its focus to take advantage of the newest trend. Audible hired NPR’s top content developer to a new role as SVP of original content. Continue Reading
Podcast network Acast raises $5-million from Bonnier Media Growth
Money continues to flow into the burgeoning podcast category as Bonnier Growth Media, a Swedish investment firm, today announced closing a $5-million capital investment in Acast, and podcast and advertising network, also in Sweden. Continue Reading