James Cridland Weekly Links is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: David Bowie; best 2016 podcasts; predictions, and much more from around the world. Continue Reading
Australia-based Omny Studio will announce a new tool which easily converts audio to a video player for posting on Facebook. This clever automated workaround solves one of the most vexing problems in social audio for podcasters and broadcasters — Facebook’s inexplicable lack of native audio. Continue Reading
iTunes Radio, a late-arriving Internet radio initiative, once widely appraised as a “Pandora killer,” will end as a free, ad-supported service on January 29. On that date the lean-back listening service will become part of Apple Music’s monthly music subscription offering. Continue Reading
The National Association for Broadcasters and National Public Radio have submitted a call to the FCC to activate FM chips in smartphones. The recommendation was in response to the FCC’s proceedings aimed at improving wireless emergency alerts. Continue Reading
STRATA announced that digital ad inventory from iHeartMedia is now available in its systems for ad buyers. This new deal brings iHeart’s inventory to more than 1,000 ad agencies currently using STRATA. Continue Reading
Several music platforms have experimented with branded channels, and Guvera is the latest to hop on the bandwagon. The service has signed on as the official music streaming partner for the Australian Open tennis major. Continue Reading
Apple Music made its Russian debut last summer, and the numbers coming out of the market show some early promise. The reports point to Russia being one of the top five biggest markets for Apple Music so far. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: The future for French music subs; Interview with Deezer’s North American exec; can public radio and TV be friends?; visualizing punk music’s hazy definitions. Continue Reading
TuneIn announced that NFL post-season games will be available to stream on its Premium tier. It also introduced its first 24/7 team channel focused on the New England Patriots. Continue Reading
What does Barcelona have in common with Tunis, Tunisia? How about Tokyo and Asuncion, Paraguay? Musical curiosity, according to Shazam. Continue Reading
VuHaus, public media’s video network, has told RAIN News that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has renewed an initial grant for $430,000. RAIN spoke with principals Mike Henry and Erik Langner about VuHaus of the past, present, and future. Continue Reading
PRS for Music has extended its multi-territory licensing deal with YouTube. The agreement includes mechanical rights for works represented by the UK copyright agency’s MCPS and IMPEL branches. Continue Reading