Integr8 Research is investigating the growth of smart speakers and their impact on radio. The latest publication indicates that smart speaker ownership could outnumber radio ownership by 2020. The prediction comes from a survey of 15- to 39-year-old contemporary radio format partisans. Continue Reading
Spotify has rolled out algorithmic personalization to some of its curated playlists. While the tastemakers employed by Spotify will continue making all of the song selections for the playlists, not all of their choices will appear for all listeners with this change. Continue Reading
Audio technology company Audioburst and Blubrry, a podcast hosting and statistics specialist, have entered a partnership. Under the terms of their deal, new and current Blubrry users can opt in to have access to Audioburst’s set of tools for creators. Continue Reading
SoundCloud shared two developments this week. First, it has a notable new hire, with Anthony Gabriele joining from Apple. Second, it is adding to its playlist programming and community pages. Continue Reading
Self-described Audio Alchemist and veteran RAIN Summit speaker Steve Keller has joined Pandora, the streaming giant reports today. Keller’s formal role is Sonic Strategy Director, and he will be part of Pandora’s marketing department. Keller helped develop Pandora’s new audio identity. Continue Reading
The RIAA has released its 2018 report on the Latin music market in the United States. The genre continued to grow for another year, with revenue up 18% to $413 million. Latin music was responsible for a 4.2% share of the total U.S. market, but this style is a major success story for streaming. Continue Reading
Muso has released its latest piracy statistics for 2018. Its new report found that piracy websites attracted 189 billion visits last year, down from 300 billion visits in 2017. Those totals include illegal access of all forms of entertainment. Continue Reading
SoundCloud and Targetspot have entered a new deal centered on Europe. The parties have secured an exclusive advertising partnership for France, Germany, and the Netherlands, expanding on their existing arrangements in those markets. Continue Reading
European Parliament has voted in favor of the Copyright Directive, a set of reforms intended to update the bloc’s rules for a digital age, but including several controversial provisions. The directive passed by a vote of 348 votes in favor and 274 against. Continue Reading
Spotify is continuing its spree of podcast acquisition with the purchase of Parcast, its third buy of 2019. The deal will bring Parcast’s podcast library to Spotify, as well as its ability to attract audiences and its existing listener base. Continue Reading
We reported yesterday that the BBC blocked Google Podcasts’ access to BBC podcasts, so they cannot be represented in the Google Podcasts app. That block extends to playing BBC podcasts in Google Search results, via the native audio that Google has built there. The BBC declined to comment in response to our inquiry yesterday, but this morning an explanatory blog post appeared that lays out the BBC’s rationale. Continue Reading
Nielsen released its Q3 2018 Total Audience Report, measuring share of media and time spent with different media categories. The key takeaway is that total media in Q3 was exactly the same (on average) as the previous year’s Q3. Within that stasis, a few shifts are apparent. Continue Reading