BBC Sounds begins connected TV app rollout
BBC Sounds has introduced an app for connected televisions. The app rollout is beginning on YouView and Virgin Media devices, but will launch on other platforms in the future. Continue Reading
January streaming flat, Pandora continues decline (Webcast Metrics)
Stream listening was level in January compared to December. The year-over-year view showed a 3% decline, powered in part by Pandora’s continued incremental decline in listening over nearly two years. Continue Reading
Researchers find “substantial racial disparities” in automated speech recognition
Speech recognition tools are known to be flawed systems that make occasional errors in comprehension. However, a new study revealed that those errors aren’t so occasional for black users. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Continue Reading
New York Times Company acquires journalism text-to-voice platform Audm
The New York Times Company has acquired Audm, a startup that creates audio versions of long-form journalism for subscription access. Founders Ryan Wegner, the director of spoken word audio production, and Christian Brink, director of product, will join the Times Company along with the rest of the Audm team. Continue Reading
MIDiA Research report: Changing media consumption during COVID-19
MIDiA Research has tracked the growth of streaming along with many other consumer behaviors over the years. Now, the company is turning its data toward understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on media industries. The report predicted that just the change of more people working from home would increase available entertainment time by 15%. Continue Reading
Google Podcasts rolling out new app design, with auto downloading and notification management
Google Podcasts is getting a new look. A redesigned version of the Android platform is beginning a gradual rollout, bringing an updated layout and a few new features. Continue Reading
SoundCloud deal offers social distancing performers fast-track to Twitch revenue
SoundCloud has been offering resources and support to the up-and-coming artists who might be getting hit hard by COVID-19 preventive measures. The company’s most recent move is a partnership with Twitch. Continue Reading
Audio listening likely disrupted, possibly reduced, by changes in routine
A couple of audio consumption numbers got our attention this morning. They indicate that consumer listening might be shifting in unexpected ways as lifestyle habits are disrupted. The first number: AM/FM radio From Fred Jacobs, promoting the upcoming release of… Continue Reading
Weirdly, owned music takes over in-car listening growth (Infinite Dial 2020)
Adding to our takeover newsletter coverage yesterday of The Infinite Dial 2020, we will indulge in some pinpoint recognition of interesting results. Listening in the car is a key part of the Infinite Dial package. We noticed that “owned music” enjoyed the greatest growth as the audio source used most often in the car. Um, why? Continue Reading
The Dominican Republic saw a 400% leap in new podcasts created, driven by Anchor
Robert Sasuke, a podcast producer and three-time winner at the Latin Podcast Awards, wrote a blog post examining the growth of the medium in the Dominican Republic during 2019. The country has seen a boom in podcast creation, he found, but there are still long strides to make in terms of audience. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Wondery interview, Norway digital radio stats, pandemic tips
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Updated report on Norway’s digital transition. Interview with Wondery COO. Pandemic tips for artists from SoundCloud. Continue Reading
Spotify launches podcast API for third-party developers
Spotify has introduced a new podcast API for developers. The tool will allow third-party devs to create new ways for listeners to connect with podcasts on Spotify outside from the streaming service’s app or websites. Continue Reading