The BBC has announced a trio of new controllers, including an appointment to head its latest effort in mobile audio. Jonathan Wall is the first controller for the BBC Sounds app. Continue Reading
Apple’s HomePod has not been a fast mover. It has been slow to make inroads with U.S. consumers, and it has also been gradual with reaching new markets. The latest development will bring the smart speaker to Japan, although later than originally expected. Continue Reading
Today Nielsen is adding another stake in the turf of podcasting with the Podcast Listener Buying Power Service, an initiative that helps podcasters and advertisers understand the audience’s consumer behavior. The announcement is buoyed by a cohort of five launch partners, each a known force in podcast publishing. Continue Reading
Renee Wang, founder and CEO of podcast app Castbox, recently gave a brief interview to Bloomberg about the current state of her company. She said Castbox has 30 million listeners, including 3 million daily active users. Continue Reading
Merlin has entered an agreement with Jaxsta, an Australia-based business specializing in technology and music credits. Under the terms of the commercial data access agreement, the global indie label and rights management network will provide Jaxsta with official data about the music creations of its members. Continue Reading
Veritonic, a preeminent audio value technology platform, today announced its Audio Score — a measure of audio effectiveness that can be applied to audio ads, sonic brand elements like audio logos, voices, music, and scripts. The idea is to apply a grading standard of effectiveness to any audio which is created to influence audiences and create deeper relationships with customers. Continue Reading
LyricFind announced a new deal with the Canadian government. The Toronto-based lyrics licensing and database company received funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage Creative Export Canada program for a two-year effort focused on licensing, transcribing, and translating works by artists and songwriters in the country. Continue Reading
Spotify introduced a new version of its app specifically designed for regions with limited or weak mobile coverage. Spotify Lite is available as a free download for Android devices in 36 markets around the world. Continue Reading
Two months ago RadioPublic announced Podfund, a venture-backed podcast incubator funded by $2.3-million in venture investments. It is an open-door plan that any audio producer can enter for a shot at gaining a $25,000-$50,000 bankroll, with a revenue-share plan of 7-15% over three years. Today RadioPublic is announcing three audio projects which have gained Podfund support. Continue Reading
The TED Radio Hour podcast will be sounding a little different next year. NPR announced that Guy Raz will step down from his dual roles as host and editorial director of the show at the end of 2019. Continue Reading
Edison Research has been going international with The Infinite Dial this year. Shortly after announcing plans to bring its audio survey to South Africa, the company shared that The Infinite Dial Germany will debut later this year. Continue Reading
The U.S. Copyright Office has made an important step forward in enacting the provisions passed by the Music Modernization Act last fall. The office selected the group led by the National Music Publishers Association to manage the creation and operation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Continue Reading