Microsoft introduced an integration between Xbox Music and OneDrive that will allow listeners to access their own music from the cloud. This updated cloud functionality gives Xbox Music the go-anywhere on-demand listening for entire libraries that it had previously lacked. Continue Reading
Aspiring DJs may have a new app to check out. Fradio was developed by Australian streaming service Guvera, and it also has support from celebrity DJs Steve Aoki, A-Trak, and Crookerill. With such an interesting premise and pedigree, and as a part-time DJ myself, I figured this was worth a look. Continue Reading
Double-digit growth in all forms of streaming buttressed the U.S. music industry against the continued slide in music purchases, holding the industry’s total value steady at 7-billion dollars. For the first time, streaming revenue surpassed CD revenue. Continue Reading
There are many ways to measure online audio campaigns — impressions and CPMs, return on investment, banner clicks, engagement. A RAIN Summit West panel discussion, featuring Heidi Browning from Pandora and other industry experts, will focus on best practices for measuring effectiveness. Continue Reading
Rdio announced several new features to its online listening platform at SXSW. Many of them are centered around interpersonal activity. First, the iOS version has revamped its sharing interface. Second, after someone has shared a song, the recipient can reply to the sender and have a conversation. The final new conversation feature better loops in social media for interacting with artists. Continue Reading
One of the top criticisms of HD radio is gaps in coverage. A new development from Belar Electronics could help create a better experience for listeners in areas where coverage is less robust by eliminating the delay between digital and analog signals. This should allow seamless switching between the two with no noticeable gap in locations where HD signal is weaker or unreliable. Continue Reading
RAIN News founding editor Kurt Hanson traveled to Milan for Radiodays Europe 2015. This bulletin covers a fascinating research session called “Stream Battle.” Continue Reading
Today Clip Interactive announced a new capability of its Total Audience Solution platform, allowing FM reception as an alternative to streaming a radio station. In smartphones, FM reception must be enabled by activation of the phone’s FM chip. The first phone… Continue Reading
Pandora has hired Elizabeth Moody as vice president of global content licensing. She will be responsible for all content partnership strategy and negotiations. Music licensing is an imperative for Pandora and its investors, never more than this year. Continue Reading
The Download on Podcasts is a weekly feature sponsored by PodcastOne.
Micro-subscriptions on specialty crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Recurrency offer independent podcasters a real chance at self-sufficiency. Success stories reveal an audience willing to pay for unique, personal, on-demand programs. Continue Reading
RAIN News founding editor Kurt Hanson is in Milan for Radiodays Europe 2015. This bulletin covers the event’s opening day, with photos. Continue Reading
RAIN News has learned that NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting have agreed to a 17% music licensing rate increase for the 2016-2020 royalty period. The new rate anchors an agreement between the nonprofit public media outlets and SoundExchange, the royalty collection and distribution entity representing artists and record labels to webcasters. Continue Reading