Quick Hits: Beats 1 as radio rival; Spotify as hitmaker;
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web. TODAY: Does Beats 1 steal radio’s last advantage? Is Spotify a hitmaker? And U2 went on podcasting to break news. Continue Reading
Bret Kinsella: Internet Radio Is Bigger Than Facebook
by Bret Kinsella
Guest columnist Bret Kinsella dug into the numbers to conclude that Internet radio has greater reach than Facebook. Now, what about monetization? Continue Reading
Internet Radio Rewind #54: Apple Music numbers; radio buys into podcasting; webcast metrics
A weekly podcast from RAIN News
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Apple Music discloses audience numbers; Hubbard Radio buys into podcasting; webcast metrics for June. Continue Reading
Apple files for “digital mixed tape” patent
Apple has filed a patent application for a concept of gifting “digital mixed tapes” that could be a future addition to its music department. The application suggests a system for creating customized complication albums and then gifting them to another person. These albums could include some unique features, such as revealing a track’s title only as it is played or limiting the ability to fast forward. The patent also suggests options for incorporating multimedia content to the audio experience. Continue Reading
Rhapsody posts record revenue for Q2 with increased losses
Rhapsody’s Q2 financial data revealed customer growth of 50% over the past year, exceeding 3 million subscribers. The streaming platform reached a record revenue of almost $50.1 million for the period, up from revenue of $42.4 million in the year-ago period. However, its quarterly losses also increased to nearly $12.1 million, compared with a loss of $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2014. Continue Reading
Hubbard adds its stations to Shazam for Radio platform
Hubbard Radio has added its stations to Shazam for Radio, an interactive platform that gives participating stations a branded user experience within the Shazam app. Nineteen stations in seven markets will be placed on the platform. Continue Reading
Salem digital earnings drop in latest quarterly call, as mobile increases
In Salem Media’s quarterly earnings call,the company reported flat revenue overall, and a 6.7% revenue drop for its digital division. CEO Edward Atsinger explained the shortfall and reported a new digital acquisition. Continue Reading
Shazam now lets you add songs to Spotify, Rdio playlists in-app
Shazam released an update to strengthen its integration with Rdio and Spotify. Users could already listen to full songs from those platforms within the Shazam app. The recent update delivers the ability to add songs to playlists on those streaming services without leaving the Shazam app. Continue Reading
Radio Disney joins iHeartRadio
Radio Disney is continuing its digital revitalization with a launch on iHeartRadio. The Radio Disney programming will now be accessible on iHeartRadio apps across all 60 of its available platforms. Continue Reading
Spreaker launches new Adore podcast network
Spreaker announced a new feature with the launch of the Adore podcast network. This series of eight shows is selected and powered by Spreaker, but will live on a separate website. “This new Adore Network is an effort to promote, feature and drive advertising revenue to shows on the Spreaker platform,” said Rob Greenlee. Continue Reading
Official: Apple Music has 11 million free trial members; is that good?
Apple has finally issued official numbers, with the announcement that Apple Music has 11 million trial members. Eddy Cue, the tech company’s senior vice president, spoke to USA Today about the streaming service’s performance so far. RAIN News’ Brad Hill and Anna Washenko each weigh in on whether 11 million is enough. Continue Reading
On the Move: Out at Spotify; in at INgrooves
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes in the audio industry. Spotify’s content officer exits, while Isolation/INgrooves announce a new CEO. Continue Reading