We saw WiFi speakers dominating the news at CES this year, and the trend shows no sights of abating. Not only are many of the big tech brands getting in on the action, but recently smaller startups have been leveraging crowdfunding to try out their own innovations in that product niche. Continue Reading
Research firm Strategy Analytics issued a report to its subscribers, analyzing the mobile music market, and projecting its growth through 2021. RAIN discussed key points report author Wei Shi. “Streaming is in ascendency.” Continue Reading
Pandora and BMI are scheduled to go to court tomorrow and hash out the legal issues surrounding the streaming company’s royalty payments to the performing rights organization. BMI is seeking 2.5% of Pandora’s revenue for royalties, up from the 1.75% that it currently pays. Pandora wants a rate of 1.7%, comparable to the rates paid by most terrestrial radio stations. Continue Reading
As we reported last week, the U.S. Copyright Office released a comprehensive review of music licensing, and made recommendations for changes. Broadcast Law Attorney offers this thorough analysis of the report’s contents.
“The report tees up many issues for consideration. So now, let the debate begin!” Continue Reading
Sam Smith and Beck might have taken home the statuettes, but according to SoundHound, the big winners from the Grammys were Ed Sheeran and Jeff Lynne. Sheeran, who was up for several awards, performed “Thinking Out Loud” during the show. It was the most SoundHounded song of the event and also translated into the most purchases through the app. Continue Reading
The Recording Academy and an alliance of A-list musicians have formed the Creators Alliance, an advocacy group that hopes to influence U.S. music licensing regulations for streaming services. the venture was announced by Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy. Continue Reading
The U.S. Copyright Office released a comprehensive critique of how music licensing works in the U.S. Criticism, by itself, is not noteworth ythese days. The document is exceptional for its detail, pedigree, and disruptive recommendations. The headline recommendation: Broadcast radio should start paying artists. Continue Reading
In its quarterly conference call, Pandora revealed earnings for Q4 2014, and full-year 2014. audience growth was sharply up, due in part to holiday listening. The company fell short of its Q4 guidance, disappointing investors, who sent the stock shivering downward in a double-digit percentage slide. CEO Brian McAndrews expressed long-term confidence and declaimed 2015 “the year of conviction.” Continue Reading
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THIS WEEK: U.S. Copyright Office slams radio royalty exemption; Webcast metrics for November; Pandora earnings; iHeartMedia enters custom advertising; the newest podcast hit; streaming services expand globally Continue Reading
Quick news items and worthy reads from around the web:
Spotimap: Fun with maps. And music.
Billboard releases Power 100 rankings Continue Reading
The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors announced a new campaign that aims to increase the percentage of royalty income that songwriters receive from online music services. The initiative is seeking a 50/50 split of the royalties, in addition to an larger slice of advertising income from YouTube and other comparable platforms. Continue Reading
RAIN News and XAPPmedia invite you to partipate in Internet Radio and Streaming Report 2015, a comprehensive survey of industry insiders about trends in the streaming audio marketplace.
Internet Radio and Streaming Report 2015 is an open survey intended for participants in the streaming audio industry. Both streamlined and comprehensive, it is designed to produce vital intelligence about industry issues in an efficient survey that can be completed quickly.
Click through for a link to the survey. Continue Reading