Quick Hits: Discovery via voice, indies at SXSW, and what if Google buys UMG?
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Voice assistants struggle with discovery. The new journey for indies. What if Google buys UMG? Continue Reading
Boomplay Music lands WMG licensing deal for Africa
Warner Music Group has signed a direct licensing deal with Boomplay Music, a leading music streaming service in Africa. Under the terms of their agreement, Boomplay will be able to distribute WMG’s catalog of more than 1 million songs to its listeners Continue Reading
1-800-Flowers and BetterHelp land on Magellan February podcast ad ranking
Magellan has published its list of the top 15 podcast advertisers from February. Last month’s ranker includes first-time appearances from 1-800-Flowers and BetterHelp, after both brands have been buying podcast ads since December 2017. Continue Reading
BBC World Service teams with Zeno Media for low-cost radio app
The BBC World Service has introduced a new app in partnership with Zeno Media. Their app relies on Zeno’s call-to-listen function that helps people stay connected to radio stations in other markets around the world, especially in areas where mobile data is expensive or unavailable. Continue Reading
RIAA files appeal in Russian stream-ripping lawsuit
The RIAA is filing an appeal in a court case against the Russian operator of two stream-ripping websites. Judge Claude M. Hilton of the Eastern District of Virginia determined that he lacked jurisdiction to take on the case against Tofig Kurbanov in a January ruling. Continue Reading
Facebook’s latest licensing deals focus on India and Thailand
Facebook has made music licensing a high priority in the past few years, and the company’s most recent moves are taking those aspirations international. The social media network now has partnerships with music rightsholders in 40 countries, with the latest moves focused on India and Thailand. Continue Reading
Univision reboots Uforia online listening app with Powered by Napster playlists
Napster and Univision have entered a new digital audio partnership centered on the Latin culture specialist’s Uforia app for on-demand audio and music. Under the terms of the deal, Univision’s Uforia app is now part of the “Powered by Napster” platform thanks to a new design and enhancements. Continue Reading
Deezer hires new chief commercial officer
Deezer announced that it has appointed Laurence Miall – d’Août as its new chief commercial officer. In this executive post, she will head up the company’s B2B activities internationally, including partnerships, business development, and advertising sales. Continue Reading
Townsquare Media emphasizes digital initiatives in stellar earnings report
In this week’s Q4 earnings call, Townsquare Media execs Bill Wilson (CEO) and Stuart Rosenstein (CFO & EVP) laid out their digital initiatives which fueled financial results that exceeded previous guidance. In doing so, the company continued to define itself away from an “average radio company.” Continue Reading
Spotify files EU antitrust complaint against Apple’s App Store fees
Spotify has filed a complaint against Apple with the European Commission, arguing that the rules and fee cuts with the App Store post a threat to business competition and limit customer choice. The complaint centers around Apple’s operation of the App Store, the sole way to find and download software for iOS mobile devices. Continue Reading
Gimlet Media’s production staff to unionize with Writers Guild of America
The podcast creation staff at Gimlet Media has decided to unionize with the Writers Guild of America, East. The union will cover branded and editorial Gimlet employees, but not managers, marketing, or sales team members. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia converts an AM station to all-podcast programming
iHeartMedia has revamped one of its AM radio stations to a podcast channel. The conglomerate’s AM 1470 in Allentown, Penn., will now feature back-to-back podcast programming. Continue Reading