ASCAP posted revenue of more than $1 billion last year, the first performance rights collector to do so. The company distributed more than $883 million in royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers. ASCAP also said that it doubled the number of performances that it has processed for payment, paying out royalties for 500 billion musical moments. Continue Reading
A new Ipsos In-Car Audio Study, sponsored by iHeartMedia, reveals that most repondents listen to AM/FM radio in the car, and overwhelmingly like push-button radios in the dashboard. This column notes that the average American car is 11.4 years old, and that technology change is always resisted by a preference for the familiar. Continue Reading
Talk to app developers, psychologists, or productivity experts, and you’ll likely hear about the concept of gamification. The goal is to offer perks for completing tasks, turning an activity that could be a chore into a fun system with rules and rewards. It’s been used for educational purposes, for changing habits, and now some enterprising folks have turned gamification theory onto music discovery. Continue Reading
SoundCloud shared some insights about its program to help creators monetize their tracks. The On SoundCloud campaign has more than 100 people signed up as Premier Partners. Since the program launched in August, it has paid out more than $1 million in ad revenue to labels, audio partners, and artists. Continue Reading
It’s too much to say that the RAIN News editorial office is obsessed with Star Trek, but everyone here is a fan. As with many other people around the world, the momentous death of Leonard Nimoy affected us strongly. To find a streaming audio tribute, we turned to a source that is obsessed with Star Trek: Kurt Hanson’s AccuRadio. We weren’t disappointed. Continue Reading
Triton Digital is announcing today that it will launch audience measurement for podcasts, in partnership with Edison Research. The new product, called Webcast Metrics On Demand (WCMOD), is slated to be released later this year. Continue Reading
Edison Research announced a consumer survey milestone: Over half (53%) of U.S. adults (12+) listened to online radio in the past month. Sources include terrestrial station webcasts, online radio like Pandora, and other services like Spotify. The percentage translates to an estimated 143-million people. Continue Reading
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A six-minute blast of news you need to know in streaming audio.
THIS WEEK: Local Radio Freedom Act hits Congress; a new podcast network; Led Zeppelin loosens the leash; streaming audio growth projection; something new for Radioplayer; Russell Brand podcast; Starbucks leaves behind CDs. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group has lost two of its top digital executives this week. CEO Lucian Grainge said that UMG would “be making announcements in the coming days” in response to Wells’ exit in particular. Universal has been making some intriguing inroads into the digital space in recent months. Continue Reading
RAIN Summits will feature the Streaming Audio’s Startup Economy discussion panel at RAIN Summit West, April 12 in Las Vegas.
Early-stage startups — this is your invitation to apply for a chair on the panel. Present your early-stage business at the premiere information and networking event for the streaming audio industry. Send your submission today! CLICK THROUGH for details. Continue Reading
Björk has built the reputation as one of music’s more unique and innovative performers and songwriters, so it’s no surprise that many people listen up to hear her perspective on the industry today. In an interview with Fast Company, Björk addressed some of the challenges that go into releasing an album in today’s music market. She has opted to keep her new album off of Spotify over concerns about its freemium business model. Continue Reading
RAIN Summit West, April 12 in Las Vegas, has posted confirmed speakers to date, featuring some of the most innovative and creative industry professionals. Continue Reading