Shortly after the launch of Rihanna’s Anti spiked Tidal membership, another of the platform’s artist/owners is experimenting with using it for exclusive access. Kanye West released his new album, The Life of Pablo, on Tidal, but it has had vastly more complicated results. Continue Reading
Spotify has made its first parry in the lawsuit filed against the streaming service by musician and activist David Lowery. According to a newly filed motion, Spotify is seeking to remove the class allegations, calling the case “a fatally flawed candidate” for that status. Continue Reading
The BBC is reportedly planning some major organizational changes, kicking off a potential merger of its radio and TV divisions with sweeping layoffs. Financial considerations are paramount — at the same time, re-organizing around content brands rather than technology platforms could make sense for consumers. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Insightful data on hybrid radio, ABC taps its community, and a look at the Radiodays Europe programme. Continue Reading
Line announced that it is shutting down MixRadio. It has opted to close the service after an assessment of its overall performance and the challenges of the streaming economy. Although MixRadio’s operations will be discontinued, the company’s Line Music service will remain in action. Continue Reading
One of the most interesting aspects of the full determination just released by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) is the detailed argument put forward by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) that radio simulcasts should pay a lower music royalty rate than pureplay webcasting (e.g. Pandora). The copyright judges praised the NAB witness presentations, but ultimately rejected the attempt. Continue Reading
The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) published its full determination, as expected following the very brief announcement of new webcast royalty rates on December 16. To whatever extent small webcasters cast a hopeful wish that the complete royalty rate decision would offer some sign of a special provision for low-revenue Internet radio, that hope is dashed. Continue Reading
BandPage has been acquired by YouTube. The artist support and engagement platform announced the purchase today, and he company reaffirmed its commitment to helping artists access digital tools and services.” Continue Reading
The European Broadcasting Union released a report on digital radio. With French and Italian regulators working on digital radio licensing plans as broadcasters find ways to shift their focus, the report paints a picture of a continent making strides forward into adoption of new technology. Continue Reading
Yesterday. There were acquisition rumors. There was an earnings call. There was a jittery-up-and-down stock price. In the middle of all that, Pandora CEO Brian McAndrews laid out the company’s key lines of strategy in this ambitious and pivotal year. Continue Reading
“We’re invested in the long-term and I could not have more conviction about the ability of Pandora to lead the future of music,” CEO Brian McAndrews said in announcing the company’s financials for Q4 and FY 2015. Revenue for the quarter reached $336.2 million, up 25% from the year-ago period. Continue Reading
The UK is getting a second national DAB digital radio multiplex network on Feb. 29. The network is coming courtesy of Sound Digital, a joint venture formed by Arqiva, Bauer Media, and UTV Media in 2014. Three of the channels will be using the DAB+ standard. Continue Reading