The Local Radio Freedom Act, a non-binding resolution that has been slowly garnering support over eight months, attained a majority in the House of Representatives with the addition of six member signatures. The resolution carries no legislative power, but generates impressive rhetoric. Continue Reading
As rumored, Pandora has settled with the RIAA for use of pre-1972 music through this year and next. Settlement cost is $90-million. This development comes a few months after Sirius XM, likewise a defendant in cases focusing on performance use of oldies, settled with major labels and other litigants through 2017, at a coast of $210-million. Continue Reading
Rivet Radio, which has been called “The Best In Bite-Sized News,” is adding 200 leading podcasts to its catalog, and has freshened its iOS app with a new content discovery feature called FOLLOW which personalizes the news stream. We tested it. Continue Reading
In a milestone agreement with ramifications for the streaming audio advertising ecosystem, Triton Digital will provide local digital audio metrics for the entire iHeartMedia empire of radio stations. iHeart will leverage Triton’s Webcast Metrics Local product, which provides audience measurement of audio streaming in local markets. Continue Reading
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Politicians on podcasts — is it the new thing? If so, it started withu President Obama on Marc Maron’s show, and is continuing with Donald Trump’s booking on Larry King’s podcast. Continue Reading
Pandora has filed an appeal against the decision of Judge Louis L. Stanton in the rate-setting case with BMI. The appeal argues that the original trial was “a case study in how a district court should not handle a rate court case.” Continue Reading
YouTube has at long last unveiled its paid, ad-free video subscription service. It’s called YouTube Red, and it will cost $9.99 a month. As predicted, a subscription to YouTube Red will include access to a redesigned YouTube Music app, which will replace Music Key. Continue Reading
Buzz, accusations, and legal jargon are swirling around the echosphere today in the wake of Spotify’s removal of the Victory Records song catalog from its library. Music licensing and royalty payouts in interactive streaming services are complex, sometimes compared to an impenetrable black box. Is there a solution? Continue Reading
Damian Marley, son of legend Bob Marley, is the latest member of Tidal’s artist-owner roster. The addition was announced at the Tidal X 10:20 Festival charity concert hosted by the streaming service in New York. Continue Reading
One of UMG’s top execs is stepping down effective immediately. Max Hole will leave his role as the Universal Music Group International’s chairman and CEO following medical troubles. Continue Reading
Will they or won’t they? After filing a suit against iHeartMedia last week in Illinois only to dismiss it three days later, ABS Entertainment has reopened the case. The company, which represents Arthur and Barbara Sheridan, is seeking royalties for songs recorded prior to 1972. Continue Reading
The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to launch a new streaming service in the UK. DisneyLife will combine both music and video content from several of the entertainment company’s ventures, including Disney Channel TV episodes, the entire Pixar catalog, books, and music albums. Continue Reading