We watched the Serial podcast break into the audio scene and rise in popularity to secure a huge listener base and professional accolades. Now the program, originally an offshoot of This American Life, is on the verge of crossing format borders and becoming a television show. Continue Reading
Getting accurate information about the exchange of money in streaming can be a challenge, since so much of the legalese is shrouded in mystery. But this infographic from Money Tips does a nice job of collecting some of the data points that we do have. Continue Reading
SESAC may have bought out Harry Fox Agency, but it appears to be more invested in the technology than the people. As much as 30% of the staff at the mechanical licensing company will be let go. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: How does Discovery Weekly work?; a conversation with a Spotify Asia exec; weird and wonderful genre names. Continue Reading
Despite a near-constant stream of bad press, the beleaguered Tidal streams on. The music platform announced that it has signed on its 1 millionth subscriber and is hosting a charity concert in celebration. The company is positioning this as the first in an event series that will see all ticket proceeds benefiting nonprofit groups. Continue Reading
Deezer has added new sports audio to its programming roster. The France-based streaming service is bringing live football (soccer to readers on this side of the pond) commentary and podcasts covering games from the Premier League and Bundesliga teams. Continue Reading
After teasing the new child-centric feature in early September, Rhapsody Kids has officially launched, bringing kid-friendly playlists to its streaming music platform. The new section is available now on Android for any listeners with a Rhapsody or Napster subscription. An iOS version is coming soon. Continue Reading
The major labels have agreed to a new code in France that will enforce more transparency in the online music business. It includes more clarity over how the advances from platforms like YouTube are shared and what the majors’ equity stakes are in digital music services. Continue Reading
DGital Media is expanding its creation capabilities with the launch of a new unit dubbed DGital Media Studios. The division will first be responsible for making content for Fantasy Sports Voices, featuring the fantasy sports talent it secured in partnerships earlier this month. Continue Reading
St. Louis-based pureplay station Our Musical Roots is back on top. After being excluded from consideration last year, both the station and its lead show of the same name were honored with top spots in the 2015 Best of St. Louis Reader’s Choice Poll hosted by the Riverfront Times. Continue Reading
Apple Music is making its debut in China and it’s going for cheap. Listeners in the new market can the same three-month trial membership as the launch countries, but once that ends, the subscription will be just $1.50 a month. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves include a new CEO at Cumulus Media and a new COO for 7digital. We also cover a promotion within the digital ranks at Universal and a new hire for Spotify’s Australia/New Zealand team. Continue Reading