The BBC’s annual plan for 2019-2020 demonstrates a continued focus on local culture and creativity while embracing the ongoing digital shifts in the entertainment world. The UK broadcaster cited the popularity of audio and video streaming platforms, including Apple’s very recent announcements about television, and laid out how it plans to stay relevant in the competitive market for eyes and ears. Continue Reading
Kobalt announced that it secured gross collections of $494 million in its latest fiscal year. The total marks a 30% increase for the period ending June 30, 2018. It anticipates continued growth and projects the current year to end with gross collections of $600 million. Continue Reading
Mixcloud is expanding its fan-to-creator subscription service. The Mixcloud Select program offers audio creators a way to build dedicated fan bases and offer them perks as an additional revenue stream. Continue Reading
Pandora has partnered with Edison Research and Carat for an investigation into co-listening, when more than one person is tuned in to the same audio at the same place and time. The results mark a first analysis of this listening activity and its impact on streaming audio ad impressions. Continue Reading
Webcast listening in December was 8% higher than the year-ago period, while the three pureplay leaders maintained their November levels. This according to Triton Digital’s Top-20 Ranker, a monthly report based on Triton’s Webcast Metrics streaming measurement technology. Continue Reading
Westwood One released its 2019 Audioscape report, with an assessment of the latest trends and data in the audio industry. This year’s analysis focused on the impact of smart speakers and podcasts, and how their audiences differ from AM/FM radio. Continue Reading
7digital has launched two new partnerships. First, it has made its first move into connected cars through a deal with ACCESS, a software provider for entertainment devices. The second partnership is with Dubset, the rights management tech company specializing in remixes and DJ sets. Continue Reading
Integr8 Research is investigating the growth of smart speakers and their impact on radio. The latest publication indicates that smart speaker ownership could outnumber radio ownership by 2020. The prediction comes from a survey of 15- to 39-year-old contemporary radio format partisans. Continue Reading
Spotify has rolled out algorithmic personalization to some of its curated playlists. While the tastemakers employed by Spotify will continue making all of the song selections for the playlists, not all of their choices will appear for all listeners with this change. Continue Reading
Audio technology company Audioburst and Blubrry, a podcast hosting and statistics specialist, have entered a partnership. Under the terms of their deal, new and current Blubrry users can opt in to have access to Audioburst’s set of tools for creators. Continue Reading
SoundCloud shared two developments this week. First, it has a notable new hire, with Anthony Gabriele joining from Apple. Second, it is adding to its playlist programming and community pages. Continue Reading
Self-described Audio Alchemist and veteran RAIN Summit speaker Steve Keller has joined Pandora, the streaming giant reports today. Keller’s formal role is Sonic Strategy Director, and he will be part of Pandora’s marketing department. Keller helped develop Pandora’s new audio identity. Continue Reading