New research further solidifies the importance of China as a future top market for applications of voice technologies. Canalys released a prediction that China will be the world’s largest smart assistant install base by 2023, numbering an estimated 5.8 billion devices with the technology built-in or compatible. Continue Reading
Research company Roy Morgan has released new insights about the growth of podcasting in Australia and New Zealand. According to its most recent survey, more than 1.6 million Australias now download podcasts in an average four-week period. The company also shared insights from surveys of listening in New Zealand. Continue Reading
Matty Staudt is leaving his role as vice president of podcast programming for iHeartRadio. He was promoted to the newly-created post about a year ago. Staudt is leaving to launch a new podcast company. Continue Reading
Another longtime member of Spotify’s leadership is leaving the company. Will Page is planning to exit his post of chief economist for the streaming service later this summer. He has been with Spotify since 2012. Continue Reading
Apple Music and Spotify have been making changes to their streaming services over the years to compete more directly with each other. The latest dig in the rivalry is around hip-hop playlist curation. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia is continuing to expand its podcast library through new deals. The latest is with Pride Media, the LGBTQ+ media company behind publications such as Out, The Advocate, and Pride. Continue Reading
Crooked Media, the company founded by former Obama staffers, has hired Sarah Geismer as its head of creative development and production. Geismer will spearhead development for all active and upcoming projects at the company, including podcasts, television, and film. Continue Reading
Acast has released its financial results from 2018. The podcast company doubled its annual revenue to more than $20 million, largely driven by its performance in the United States and United Kingdom. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: James offers his own deep dive on radio ratings in Australia along with his usual collection of links with audio news and analysis. Continue Reading
YouTube Music has launched a new tool that takes advantage of one of its key distinguishing features. Listeners on YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium now have the option to toggle between the audio version of a song and its official music video at will. Continue Reading
Spotify is reaching a larger international audience, and is seeing particular success in India. Cecilia Qvist, head of global markets, shared some insights about the company’s global growth during a conference in Hong Kong. Continue Reading
7digital has been making leadership changes in an effort to improve its financial situation. After a shake-up in the board of directors, the B2B music company has announced that its CEO and CFO are stepping down after just a few months in those roles. Continue Reading