James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Updates from across the radio and audio industries in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and South Africa. Continue Reading
Amazon shared some insights from its sales over the Thanksgiving weekend, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Echo Dot was the top-selling product on Amazon, regardless of segment or manufacturer. Amazon didn’t reveal any specifics of sales numbers for the Dot, but they likely numbered in the millions. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: A very unusual-sounding contest. Familiar platitudes for radio DJs. Two compelling stories out of South Korea. Continue Reading
Saavn, a specialist in Indian and Bollywood music, has shared two business developments. First, the company added two strategic investors to its music platform. Second, the company also announced some results from its efforts as an in-house label. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Two major labels’ UK arms have sued TuneIn. Research into “super listeners” of podcasts. Continue Reading
Public media video app VuHaus has added another Chicago station to its roster of affiliates. Vocalo Radio 91.1 is an urban alternative station with programming in hip-hop, R&B, dance, and DJ culture. It is a sister station to Chicago public media station WBEZ 91.5, and is the inaugural Chicago source to join VuHaus. Continue Reading
Amazon announced a rollout of several products in Canada. First, the Echo suite of smart speakers and the Alexa voice control system have launched in the country. Second, Amazon has launched Prime Music for Canadian listeners. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: A look into Spotify’s use of data and machine learning. Analysis of radio listening in Switzerland. Continue Reading
Audio companies of all stripes have been hopping on the bandwagon of smart speakers. The BBC is the latest to take advantage of the new technology in a more unique way. The broadcaster has created an interactive audio drama where listeners can influence the end result of their story. The piece, titled The Inspection Chamber, debuted as an Amazon Alexa skill in the UK this week. Continue Reading
Amazon has rolled out its Echo smart speaker line in Japan. The Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot are now available by invitation in the country. The devices will begin shipping in Japan next week. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Details on the FCC’s ending the main studio rule, a big expansion for Global, and much more from the world of audio. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired a new leader for its public relations team. Dustee Jenkins will be the streaming service’s top communications official, joining Spotify from the same role at retailer Target. Continue Reading