New UMG / Meta apact allows use of music across 6 social platforms

In a noisy announcement that can be celebrated by musicians, many social media users, a major label, and a major internet company, Universal Music Group and Meta have reached a new licensing agreement. The thrust is that social media users across Meta’s immense social platform reach will be able to use UMG-published music without repercussion to them, or to Meta. The agreement builds on an earlier (2017) accord.
Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Kyle and Jackie O – a damp squib? Or just poor-quality smut?

by James Cridland

High expectations and low results; that’s a theme i this week’s guest column from James Cridland. He cites Kyle and Jackie O Live — the biggest radio show in Melbourne Australia , and syndicated across the continent — as an example. Can breakfast syndicated shows work? James has a lot to say in this. Also: Two recommended albums, a star interviewer, and how Star Wars saved NPR (sort of). Continue Reading

Podcast ads beat other channels in back-to-school and holiday periods (Veritonic)

In its latest study of podcast advertising effectiveness, audio measurement company Veritonic compared the efficacy of podcasting with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. “Podcast ads are winning,” is the conclusion. The result derives from a July survey of consumers who listen to multiple podcasts per month. Click for findings, a graph, and link to the study release. Continue Reading

Local ad buyers value referrals above all types of advertising

In the current Chart of the Week from Borrell Associates, we see local ad buyers’ best sources for new customers. And we learn that referrals from customers, as a source type, is favored over 12 channels of advertising. Those ad types represent a wide spectrum of marketing, from Facebook to billboards, TV to direct mail. Borrell emphasizes one specific comparison. Click for info and a big graph. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Another pop-up station, and a drone light show

by James Cridland

This week James reports the BBC’s new station, called Election 2024. It’s a 24-hour news stream, and interestingly it is available only on the BBC Sounds app … and only in-UK listeners can hear it, and James is dubious. Also: American radio jingles, Australian radio mascots, and much more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Faking it – competition winners caught out

by James Cridland

Capital Radio Network in Australia said it wasn’t trying to mislead listeners. Guest columnist James Cridland calls BS on that, and explains why. It’s about holding a listener contest without holding one. Nothing new, James says, and cites an example. Plus: Previewing the next iOS version, congratulations to winning broadcasters, and a preview of Swiss Radio Day. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Faking it – competition winners caught out

by James Cridland

Capital Radio Network in Australia said it wasn’t trying to mislead listeners. Guest columnist James Cridland calls BS on that, and explains why. It’s about holding a listener contest without holding one. Nothing new, James says, and cites an example. Plus: Previewing the next iOS version, congratulations to winning broadcasters, and a preview of Swiss Radio Day. Continue Reading