Marketron adds sales exec Todd Kalman
Media software company Marketron announced the hiring of Todd Kalman, who will leave CBS Radio to join the Minneapolis company. Kalman becomes VP of Sales for Marketron. Continue Reading
News
Hi-Def Update: Pogue takes on Pono
The first rumblings of skepticism about Pono Music and its promised revolution in sound quality emerged last month, and since then the critics have become more visible and more vocal. Professional musician and journalist David Pogue is the latest to turn his ear to the question of how much different hi-def listening can really offer. In the interest of science, he conducted a blind experiment. Continue Reading
Rdio adds free radio option for New Zealand
Rdio announced an update to its service in New Zealand, opening up free ad-supported Internet radio to listeners in that country. The updates are available on the Rdio app and website in the New Zealand market. Continue Reading
Super Bowl 2015: Missy Elliott wins the streaming race
This year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show had everything: elaborate sets, spectacular costumes, and singing sharks. Thanks to Spotify, it also has some fun data about the performers. Continue Reading
German listeners still buy a lot of CDs
Germany’s music sector generated revenue of €1.48 billion in 2014, according to the Federal Association of the Music Industry’s year-in-review. That total marked a roughly 1.8% increase from 2013. Continue Reading
Pureplay of the Day: Barock Music
In browsing Radionomy sites for some new listening, we couldn’t help pausing at the name “Barock Music.” Is this a pun from someone who considers Bach and his contemporaries rock stars? Or is it simply the unintentional consequence of Google Translate for the French station? Whatever the source of the name, the music selections are worth a listen in their own right. Continue Reading
Spotify reportedly drops plans for Russian launch
Spotify has reportedly canceled its plans to expand into Russia. The streaming service had hired former Google exec Alexander Kubaneishvili to lead its push into the region, but he told Russian outlet RBC that the company is no longer pursuing that market. Continue Reading
Digitally Imported launches new design, functions, and programs
In a mile-marker along the way to a major reinvention of its service, electronic music portal Digitally Imported launched a newly designed interface, with new functions and new programs. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Pandora’s concert livestream; have you heard of EDM?
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Pandora to livestream Jack White show; Google infographic gives EDM education. Continue Reading
Pandora celebrates 50 billion thumbs with infographic
Pandora released a data-filled infographic in honor of receiving 50 billion thumbs. “Thumbs give each listener the power to make Pandora personal to them,” the accompanying blog post said. “Every thumb up and thumb down has not only made your stations better, but helped us make better song choices for every listener.” Continue Reading
Internet Radio Rewind #028
A weekly podcast from RAIN News
Sponsored by AudioBoom
A six-minute blast of news you need to know in streaming audio.
THIS WEEK: Podcast listener behavior; Pandora’s growing reach; Apple iTunes earnings; SoundExchange artist payments in 2014, Spotify joins PlayStation; iHeartRadio’s audience milestones. Continue Reading
Spotify seeks $500M new funding; Jason Calacanis predicts Facebook takeover
The Wall Street Journal reports that Spotify “has expressed a desire” to raise $500-million in private investment, and is working with Goldman Sachs to achieve it. Meanwhile, in an unrelated analysis, past RAIN Summit keynoter Jason Calacanis predicts that Facebook will acquire Spotify. Continue Reading