Independent label network Merlin has entered into a multi-year deal with audio company MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). MQA’s technology improves the playback for 24-bit music files, promising audio quality better than CDs. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Warner Music Nashville streaming promotion; Germany moves to make FM-only radio receivers illegal; Spotify valuation still growing. Continue Reading
The saga of Guvera appears to have drawn to a close, as the music service announced that it has ceased all operations. Co-founder Claes Loberg has also stepped down as a director, as did major backer Steve Porch. Continue Reading
Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One has partnered with iHeartMedia-owned Katz Expressway, a programmatic advertising exchange powered by tech company Jelli. The immediate result is that radio stations in major Cumulus market have some commercial inventory in Expressway, available for automated buying. Continue Reading
SoundExchange has acquired CMRRA (Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency). CMRRA licenses mechanical and reproduction rights for streaming platforms, physical formats, satellite radio, and analog broadcasting. This purchase marks SoundExchange’s first move into publishing rights. Continue Reading
NPR has unveiled its lineup of six new podcasts to debut over the summer. “We are expanding the range of our programming by giving a platform to new voices, sharing a fun new side of favorite contributors, and doubling down on immersive stories and journalism,” Vice President for Programming and Audience Development Anya Grundmann said. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Germany moves to make sale of FM-only radios illegal. More on Pandora’s latest results and industry role. Much more. Continue Reading
NextRadio was introduced in August, 2013, as a tuner for SmartPhones to receive over-the-air radio reception with enhanced on-screen interactivity. In the nearly four years of NextRadio promotion, Emmis has faced challenges. In this week’s earnings call, Emmis head Jeff Smulyan put NextRadio prominently in the discussion, and framed it as an early-stage product undergoing growth and improvement. Continue Reading
After sparking a storm of speculation earlier this year, Spotify may indeed be moving forward with its plan for and IPO-less IPO. The streaming company has reportedly hired Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Allen & Co to advise it on pursuing a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Continue Reading
Pandora added a new facet to its Sounds Like You marketing campaign, looping in both Twitter and emojis. People who tweet to the @pandoramusic handle with the hashtag #soundslike and an emoji will receive an automated response from the audio company. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group has posted its Q1 2017 results. Quarterly revenue reached 1.28 billion euros ($1.36 billion), and digital revenue for the period reached 622 million euros ($659.3 million). Streaming was responsible for 46% of digital revenue. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Research into YouTube’s music industry influence; Apple launches Giphy channel; NPR interview on corporate sponsorships; MP3s are dead. For real. Continue Reading