Google is reinventing a standard feature in smart speakers: the news update. Made famous by Amazon Echo’s “Flash Briefing,” Google’s version is invoked by “Play the news.” The initiative would bring the vast news collection capability of Google News into the voice activation realm. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered an agreement with podcast platform Voxnest. The new deal will bring Spreaker podcasts to audiences in Colombia and Brazil on Deezer. Spreaker’s Spanish-language podcast library includes content from Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Continue Reading
The Google Podcasts app seemed like a big move when it was first announced. Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein reached out to several leaders in audio and podcasting to get a better understanding of why the app hasn’t been a smashing success yet. Continue Reading
Amazon has launched new voice features for Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited listeners using its Alexa assistant. The updates will increase personalization of music requests and more conversational interactions with Alexa. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia is in the process of restructuring after a strategic move of declaring bankruptcy in March. Despite several years of financial difficulties, the company still has such a large footprint in broadcasting and audio that it has been the subject of takeover rumors. First, Apple was allegedly engaging in talks with the media conglomerate. Now, Liberty Media is reportedly interested as well. Continue Reading
Pandora has officially thrown open the gates to podcast listening on its audio platform. The company’s Podcast Genome Project is now available to all users, meaning anyone can receive personalized listening recommendations. Continue Reading
Apple owns an estimated 60% of podcast consumption. 2018 was the first year that the dominant distribution platform provided consumption metrics to producers. Accordingly, the company has release the top 25 most-downloaded podcasts of the year. Continue Reading
Pod Drop highlights noteworthy new and upcoming podcasts from across the vast and fast-growing category. Today’s launches include a comedy character at iHeartRadio, an exploration of opera’s best arias, and a snackable show about fears. Continue Reading
SoundCloud has hired Lisa Ellis as its new global head of music and artist relations. She will head up the artist and label services team for the audio company, and will help artists, managers, and labels to grow on the platform. Continue Reading
Deezer and Triton Digital have entered into a deal for mobile programmatic audio advertising. Under the terms of the new partnership, audio buyers in 20 countries will be able to make real-time deals for Deezer’s digital audio inventory on Triton’s Yield-Op supply-side provider. Continue Reading
The Indian advertising market is projected to surge 46% between 2018 and 2021, according to research from Publicis Groupe’s media agency Zenith. Radio is participating in that projected growth, with an added note about digitization of radio, and across all categories. Continue Reading