Tidal is back in headlines with questions about the accuracy of its internal stream counts, but the story is gnarlier than it appears. The Norwegian Authority for Investigation of Economic and Environmental Crime (Okokrim) has reportedly launched an investigation after receiving allegations from domestic artist associations about potential loss of income due to manipulation of streaming data, according to Bloomberg Quint. Tidal appears to be involved, but is reportedly not under investigation. Continue Reading →
In a new development connecting several big audio trends, Pandora has launched a Voice Mode that lets listeners control its mobile app with spoken commands. Voice Mode is powered by SoundHound’s Houndify voice AI platform, and it will begin rolling out to users today. Continue Reading →
Spotify has signed a global content deal with Indian entertainment firm T-Series. Under the terms of the agreement, Spotify’s audience will be granted access to T-Series’ entire music library, which includes Bollywood soundtracks and music from emerging artists. Continue Reading →
Vevo has upped JP Evangelista to the role of senior vice president of content, programming and marketing. He will spearhead the company’s strategy for official music video releases, original content creation, and other global programming efforts in this expanded role. Continue Reading →
In a gleaming example of a podcast crossing over to another media category, radio/TV comedian and correspondent Mo Rocca is launching complementary products under a new Mobituaries brand. It is a podcast + book arrangement lasting through 2019 or longer. Continue Reading →
by Steve Goldstein
Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein comes back from CES with a review. of podcasting and smart speakers. More about smart speakers tomorrow from the Amplifi Media founder, plus connected cars. Continue Reading →
by James Cridland
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Reflecting on resolutions, an SCA exec departs, and a good use of social media for radio. Continue Reading →
Westwood One is announcing the broadcast launch of The Ben Shapiro Show on over 150 radio stations across eight of the top 10 markets. This is significant because The Ben Shapiro Show is a popular conservative talk podcast that has lifted Shapiro to fame as a right-side audio authority. The advertising structure is particularly interesting. Continue Reading →
Tencent is reportedly preparing to launch a new voice-activated digital assistant for the popular WeChat app. Bloomberg reported that the upcoming assistant is named Xiaowei and will help the more than a billion users of the messaging app with simple tasks. Continue Reading →
The week is kicking off with a pair of updates for the Apple HomePod. First, the smart speaker’s international footprint is growing. Second is a shift in how many places the same Apple Music account can be playing. Continue Reading →
iHeartMedia has chosen Panoply’s Megaphone platform to distribute select shows from its iHeartPodcast Network. As a Megaphone client, iHeartMedia will receive tools for publishing, dynamic ad insertion, ad operations, campaign management, reporting, and analytics. Continue Reading →
REGISTER NOW! On the Agenda: 9:00 Welcome RAIN President Brad Hill and RAIN Founder Kurt Hanson start things off with a few introductory remarks. 9:05 State of the Industry RAIN Founder, AccuRadio CEO, and industry pioneer Kurt Hanson debuts…
Continue Reading → 
