Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: A new schedule for Serial; in-depth with WNYC’s plans for podcasting; tour revenue analysis for One Direction. Continue Reading
DGital Media has launched another podcast on its roster of sports programming. “The Ochocinco and Dukes Podcast” will be hosted by a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals and an NFL Network commentator. Continue Reading
At long last, SoundCloud has signed a licensing deal with Universal Music Group. This deal allows Universal to collect revenue from instances where its catalog appears on the audio platform. SoundCloud has been working to get pen to paper on this agreement for many months. Continue Reading
Southern Cross Austereo, Australia’s largest commercial radio group, has reportedly started turning on the webcasts of its radio stations. At least 18 stations are now simulcasting. It has been two years since, in a startling boycott of Internet-delivered radio, Australian radio stations shut off their streams as an act of protest. Continue Reading
Guest columnist Doc Searls observes the thinning out of AM stations in the U.S., and FM stations abroad. Then, there’s the impact of the Internet. “This doesn’t mean radio is going away,” he explains. Continue Reading
The Financial Times reported over the weekend that Apple Music has reached 10 million subscribers, which represents impressive growth over six months. What does it indicate about the future audience growth for Apple Music? Guest columnist Bret Kinsella infers a churn rate from publicly disclosed retention numbers, and arrives at a prediction.
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In August, we shared a Wired article that questioned the narrow demographic group that has been dominating the growing podcast space, noting that the limited viewpoints could limit the format’s reach. New data from Quartz confirms that bias among the people sitting down behind the mic. Continue Reading
We already knew that vehicles with Apple CarPlay rolled out onto the road in the U.S. last year, but now the company has shared some specifics about exactly which models will be equipped with the tech. The list published on Apple’s CarPlay website lists more than 100 models that will support its system. Continue Reading
Patrick Hannon, president of WorldDAB, issued a statement on the outlook for digital radio in 2016. He pointed to continued development and adoption of the technology across Europe, as well as plans to make a big push into cars this year. Continue Reading
WKCR 89.9, the unique and distinctive radio station affiliated with Columbia University, suspended its online simulcast at the start of the year. Unique programming has earned the station a far-flung audience of listeners and financial supporters, who are voicing their distress on social media. Continue Reading
South Korean tech and mobile conglomerate Kakao has assumed ownership of MelOn, the country’s top streaming and downloaded music provider. Buying out the 76.4% stake in parent company Loen Entertainment for 1.87 trillion won (about $1.55 billion) adds an entertainment facet to Kakao’s diverse holdings. Continue Reading
Spotify has been hit with a second lawsuit in two weeks, again centered on licensing and royalties. The plaintiff is artist Melissa Ferrick, who said her songs have been streamed more than a million times without proper licensing. Continue Reading