NextRadio announced a partnership with BLU, a manufacturer of unlocked Android and Windows phones that can be used with different carriers, or as prepaid phones using BLU’s coverage network. Starting in 2016, NextRadio will be the native FM tuner for all Android devices made by the company. Continue Reading
Bill Simmons is launching a new podcast network under HBO’s umbrella. The Bill Simmons Podcast Network has unveiled a new property dubbed Channel 33. Simmons began airing his own eponymous show in late September, a re-launch of his popular ESPN program. Continue Reading
Yesterday’s announcement that Pandora intends to acquire Rdio assets in a bankruptcy auction focused attention on Rdio’s unpredicted demise.
CEO Brian McAndrews used the Rdio acquisition as a pivot point to sketch a dramatically enlarged strategic vision for his company, one which contained specific answers to two topics he has skirted during this year’s earnings calls: global expansion, and on-demand service. Continue Reading
Digital distributor TuneCore reported that in the third quarter of 2015, artist payments rose 6.1% to $34.7 million. The represented artists also had 3.6 billion streams and downloads during the period. In addition to the quarterly update, TuneCore announced that it is opening an office in Atlanta. Continue Reading
Merlin, a rights and licensing group representing indie music, announced the results of its board election, with representation joining its leadership from several sources. The board consists of 15 people who will guide the group’s strategy until 2017. Continue Reading
Spotify has unveiled a new tool for musicians and labels called Spotify Fan Insights. This dashboard will include demographic data about listeners, their location, their other listening preferences, and their level of fandom. Analysis of the listeners and fan base could help performers facilitate more growth and success on the platform. Continue Reading
T-Mobile has expanded its data-free music listening to customers on MetroPCS, its prepaid brand. Subscribers on certain plans can listen to 33 music services without the streaming counting against their high-speed data stores with this Music Unlimited program. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: More orchestras join Google’s Classical Live; data on teens, tweens, and media; BPI’s CEO delivers keynote speech. Continue Reading
BOOMiO has shut down its music service. GeekWire reported that the company emailed its users that the group had shuttered BOOMiO in order to rethink the product. A message on the app’s website promised that the team is planning “a fresh BOOMiO experience.” Continue Reading
James Cridland Weekly Links is a column by the U.K.’s radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Iain Lee departing BBC; a reminder about the realities of “unlimited” data; much more. Continue Reading
Vania Schlogel has left her position as chief investment officer for Tidal. Schlogel, one of the top front-facing execs at the boutique streaming service, told The New York Times that she actually departed over the summer. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a partnership with Three UK, a mobile carrier. Through this deal, customers of the UK telecom will get free access to Deezer Premium+ for six months. The bundled subscriptions will include exclusive playlists, content, and events just for the Three UK network. Continue Reading