iHeartMedia has entered a partnership with Fox Networks Group to create Smart A/V Audiences, a suite of data-driven advertising products across both audio and video segments. Smart A/V Audiences will allow the creation of customized audiences by targeting for specific interests, then delivering video and audio ads to those individuals. The project builds on iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio programmatic ad tool. Continue Reading
Podtrac has published its May 2017 rankings of the top podcasts. All 20 members of the podcast ranking are the same as the previous month, but have seen a shake-up in placements. Most notable is S-Town dropping from the top of the chart down to eighth. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: NPR advises on using Facebook Live tool. Tales from the trenches of radio promotion. Infinite Dial data for Australia. Continue Reading
Pandora has sold its terrestrial radio station. It has handed off the South Dakota station KXMZ 102.7 to Haugo Broadcasting for $300,000. Pandora initially purchased the station from Connoisseur Media in 2015 for $600,000. The sale brings an end to a convoluted chapter in the audio company’s legal and licensing history. Continue Reading
Two podcast hosts and distributors have announced additions to their show rosters. PodcastOne unveiled two new podcasts. Westwood One detailed a partnership with Live Nation and three new shows. Continue Reading
We’ve seen several staunch holdouts against streaming relax their stances this year as the distribution path becomes more lucrative. Bob Seger is the latest to reverse course. Twelve albums from Seger’s catalog have been added to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeartMedia, Slacker, and Napster. Continue Reading
Social video app Musical.ly is now creating original shows. The platform emphasizes user creativity, and has become a hub for lip syncing and other fan music videos. The planned episodes will run just two to four minutes and will feature content from NBC, MTV, and Hearst. Original content has become a core marketing promise for companies across the entertainment and media landscapes. Continue Reading
Spotify has inked a deal to further its interests in concerts and ticketing. The streaming company entered a global partnership with AXS and Eventbrite that will see both ticketing companies making personalized concert recommendations to Spotify listeners. Continue Reading
BMI announced two promotions within its upper ranks, effective immediately. Alison Smith and Mike Steinberg have both been elevated from SVP to EVP positions in their respective departments. Continue Reading
Primephonic is the latest streaming service to try tackling the classical music genre. It offers CD-quality streams available by subscription on both desktop and mobile platforms. Primephonic is launching in the UK and the U.S. Interested listeners can sign up for a 30-day free trial. The regular subscription will cost $14.99. Continue Reading
Guest columnist Larry Rosin announces a new research project: The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research, which will debut at the RAIN Podcast Business Summit next week, June 21 at the AXA Auditorium in Manhattan. The half-day 9am-1pm event will feature Edison Research VP Tom Webster presenting never-before-seen survey data and video. Continue Reading
Deezer has introduced its Family subscription option to the United States. The Deezer Family shared music plan grants Premium+ plan access to up to six people for $14.99 a month. The Family feature first debuted in France, where Deezer is headquartered, in November 2015. Continue Reading