Russian streaming service Zvooq contracts for Sony’s international catalog

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Russian streaming service Zvooq has finalized a contract with Sony Music, making it the only fully licensed independent music service in the country. “Sony Music is the owner of one of the largest international catalogs, and our cooperation with that company will allow Zvooq to present the entire volume of international music to our users,” the company’s Head of Content Tanya Mulkidzhanova told Billboard. Continue Reading →

RAB semi-annual report sees growth in digital and off-air advertising

Posted on by Anna Washenko

The Radio Advertising Bureau has released its semi-annual revenue report. The results for the first half of 2015 revealed continued declines in spot advertising, while digital and off-air sectors maintained growth. Radio’s first-half ad revenue hit $8.2 billion, down just 1% from the year-ago period. Continue Reading →

Tidal caught in another PR snafu, this one featuring Apple Music and Drake

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Tidal has accused Apple of blocking its stream of rapper Drake’s performance at a charity concert, claiming it was threatened with a $20 million lawsuit by the tech company on the grounds that Drake currently has an exclusive deal with Apple Music. Tidal called Apple “Big Brother” in a tweet and left the same message on the blank video stream during Drake’s set. Drake’s camp said the stream’s black-out was not due to Apple. Continue Reading →

Shazam 2014 results show growth in audience and net losses

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Shazam has reportedly filed financial results for its entire 2014 financial year. While the sound identification app did post solid numbers in terms of audience base, it still had losses overall in the period. Revenue at Shazam in 2014 totaled about £36 million, but the net loss was £14.8 million. The results did reveal nearly 120 million monthly active users for the service, though. Continue Reading →