Amazon has hired Rocío Guerrero as its global head of Latin music. She will develop and lead Amazon Music’s growth strategy to expand into Latin audiences. Guerrero joins the company after time working at Warner Music Latin and Spotify. Continue Reading
ART19, the podcast technology and advertiser services company, has announced an ambitious and acquisitive move into South Korea, a country with 51-million people who are more engaged with podcasts than any other national population in the world. One acquisition, four exclusive agreements, and a new company. Continue Reading
Streaming audio service Deezer announced that it has partnered with Facebook’s Portal TV platform. Last fall, the social media company introduced a dedicated video calling device, and now has expanded its hardware efforts to include this smart TV. Continue Reading
Napster has entered a partnership with Super Hi-Fi, an artificial intelligence company that offers tools to improve audio transitions and customization. The parties will collaborate to provide businesses with personalized music listening experiences. Continue Reading
Cabana, the digital audio division of AdLarge Media, announced that it has signed a deal with Critical Frequency Network. Under this agreement, cabana will be Critical Frequency’s exclusive podcast ad sales representative. Continue Reading
Steve Pratt of Pacific Content shares a large collection of expert insights on what they expect in podcasting next year. The pros have a range of predictions, including consolidation, proliferation, diversity, and reaching $1 billion. Continue Reading
Merlin has secured a licensing deal with up-and-coming streaming platform Boomplay Music. The streaming service serves listeners in Africa, with headquarters in Nigeria and ownership by China’s Transsnet Music Limited. Continue Reading
Westwood One, the audio network owned by Cumulus Media, has entered a podcasting partnership with the Associated Press. Under their arrangement, Westwood One will exclusively distribute, monetize, and market three of the AP’s podcasts. Continue Reading
Targetspot has entered a partnership with Radio France in support of the broadcaster’s public health campaign. Beginning in November, Radio France launched a geographically targeted health prevention campaign in its podcasts. Continue Reading
Google Assistant has been updated with several quality of life improvements. In addition to new voice commands for retrieving and sharing photos, and for updating notes and lists, the platform now offers topical search for podcasts. We tested it. Continue Reading
As podcasts secure bigger and more influential fan bases, shows and their creators have been able to land even more impressive deals. The latest is for Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the brains behind My Favorite Murder. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Articles about customer service from stations, a competition from Ghana, and an election blind date. Continue Reading