RAIN Hotspots: May 18-24

the five most-read articles of the week. Apple updates is podcast app with Siri, with uneven results … A new study provides interesting analysis of streaming music business drivers … Canada sets royalty rates for non-interactive streaming … Spotify at 10-million subscribers … digital magic from a syndicated radio show. Continue Reading

Indie-music consortium claims YouTube strong-arming during music service negotiations

A global music trade organization representing independent musicians, reportedly issued (then removed) a public complaint and threat during negotiations with Google about a yet-to-be-launched YouTube music service. The publicity around this outburst further legitimizes rumors that YouTube is setting the stage for a dedicated music service, and also purportedly shines light on Google’s aggressive negotiations. Continue Reading

Milestone for WMVY, returning to FM after listener-supported online period

This week WMVY, a radio institution on Martha’s Vineyard, turned on the transmitter at the station’s new frequency, 88.7 FM, returning to the airwaves after a year-and-a-half absence. The milestone provided a second bookend to a storied broadcast/digital history that recently saw listeners raise over $600,000 to keep the station going, and its staff intact. Continue Reading

Twitter reportedly considers buying SoundCloud [UPDATE: Deal off]

As the supposed Apple acquisition of Beats Electronics is taking longer than expected, the industry needed a fresh rumor to chew on. Here it is: Twitter might buy SoundCloud. It’s natural that SoundCloud would seek major partnership — and, at the same time, provide a profitable exit for its investors. The acquisition would leverage a couple of intersecting values and needs Continue Reading

Vodafone Big Top 40 to include streaming, social media

In 2009, the Vodafone Big Top 40 launched a real-time chart, using iTunes sales statistics alongside radio airplay to produce a more “live” chart. The show has 2.4 million listeners, making it the biggest show on commercial radio in the U.K. James Cridland notes the upcoming addition of digital sources in creating this important chart. Continue Reading