Opinion & Features

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Mark Mulligan: Streaming’s problems will not be fixed by royalties alone

Posted on by Mark Mulligan

by Mark Mulligan

The royalty agreement crafted by Universal Music Group and the Deezer streaming platform has gotten a lot of attention. In his latest guest column, MiDIA Research chief Mark Mulligan says both parties want that attention, if not necessarily the exact commentary they hoped for. “Streaming royalties are not adding up because streaming is not adding up. Fixing royalties is only part of the solution,” Mark asserts. Part of the solution requires understanding how these services have evolved, and solutions must consider the audience’s needs. A must-read.
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Mark Mulligan: AI, music rights, and known unknowns

Posted on by Mark Mulligan

by Mark Mulligan

“We need to look for early warning signs to try to understand when change is coming,” MIDiA Research head Mark Mulligan asserts in his latest guest column. “The music industry is full of them right now and the change to come will likely be so fast that music licensing will need a new playbook.” A must-read from one of the sharpest media observers. “If you thought change was fast this last decade, wait for the next one.”

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Mark Mulligan: The music industry’s tipping point is Right Here, Right Now

Posted on by Mark Mulligan

by Mark Mulligan

“Streaming is buckling under its own weight,” MIDiA Research head Mark Mulligan asserts in his latest guest column. Streaming solved the problems of piracy and cratering music sales, but with the unintended result of commodifying music consumption — passive playlist programming has squeezed out fan relationships. “The time is now to start building plan B,” Mark says — that would be a music world focused on fandom, identity, and exceptionalism. This is a vital thought piece from one of the world’s most informed thought leaders. A must-read.

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AI and Radio

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland holds forth on AI. “Any technology can be used for good and for bad. Just ask anyone who’s used Twitter,” he notes. James harkens back in time to when computers were introduced in radio studios, and suggests that while AI shouldn’t replace DJs, it can improve other parts of a station’s output — he mentions traffic and weather. Also: 7 links of interest. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Behind the scenes at 5 Live

Posted on by Brad Hill

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on a “visual radio” setup for Nicky Campbell … and changes his mind about it. Also: Radiodays North America, Towercast, a survey from RadioCentre Ireland, and the BBC turning off HLS radio streams. Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: Why Programmatic Ads Are Vital For Podcasting

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

In his latest guest column, Steve Goldstein makes this observation: “Podcast monetization and the concentration of dollars chasing a relatively small number of shows is a big problem for our industry.” In a powerful interview with Christiana Brenton, Acast’s U.S. Head of Sales and Brand Partnerships, these two experts discuss the revenue concentration in podcasting: According to Edison Research, advertisers can reach half of all weekly listeners with just 44 podcasts. Steve calls this “a frightening stat and a systemic problem.” Christiana Brenton calls this “an inflection point” for ensuring a sustainable long-term medium. A must-read. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Radio 360 launches in Australia: new research

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on a big change to the way Australian radio stations were measured – and how it’s reported. . Australian radio will be measured by all three available methods: Diaries, research surveys, and electronic measurement. Early results are revealing for radio’s multiplatform future, James reports. Many other interesting ratings realities are emerging from the new reporting. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AM given reprieve; Long Wave to go away; radio on TV

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on the recent about-face by Ford Motor Company in the U.S., which spares AM radio from being removed in its cars. Not so lucky for British AM, though, where “the BBC says that 5 Live will be off AM by Dec 2027; they’ve been slowly turning off BBC Local Radio’s AM transmitters too.” And, as always, global observations and commentary. Continue Reading →

Steve Goldstein: How Much Impact Will The NY Times Podcast App Have?

Posted on by Steve Goldstein

by Steve Goldstein

In his latest guest column, Steve Goldstein provides the most insightful and comprehensive analysis of the new NYT Audio app that we have seen (including ours). “There is a virtual mobile graveyard loaded with podcast apps that promised everything from socialization to audio clipping to better recommendations.” Can The New York Times succeed? A must read. Continue Reading →

Paul Riismandel: What Is Brand Lift in Digital Audio and Podcasting?

Posted on by Paul Riismandel

In his first guest column at RAIN News, Paul Riismandel (Chief Insights Officer & Partner, Signal Hill Insights) offers a deep and detailed dig into the meaning and functions of “brand lift” — that oft-mentioned and much valued attribute of successful audio ad campaigns. “Brand lift lets performance marketers put a microscope on their ad copy and messaging,” Paul says — and he also itemizes important questions which get answered using brand lift studies. Much more — click to read.
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