One year ago this column complained about Facebook’s lack of native audio — a feature for users to post an audio file directly to Facebook, rather than linking out to it. Facebook’s slight has been the world’s biggest example of how audio takes a back seat to video. This week, Facebook abruptly turned its face toward the light (well, the sound). Continue Reading
Facebook has posted job openings centered on sound design, indicating that the social media company may have designs for more original music creation. The latest posting is for an in-house music composer, a role that requires at least 10 years of professional experience in the industry. Continue Reading
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative released its annual report of ‘notorious markets,’ a listing of the areas posing the greatest risk to American creative industries. The report specifically details the recent trend of stream ripping as an issue focus. Continue Reading
PRX announced the first round of participants in its Project Catapult training. This program, first announced in September, is designed to give podcast training to public media radio stations. Continue Reading
Facebook has finally launched a native format for posting audio-only stories to its social media network. It’s a long-awaited move for the audio industry, but there are still some questions and limitations about this service. Continue Reading
Amazon may be the newest player elbowing into the subscription streaming music business, but it’s closing the year with a blockbuster announcement: Garth Brooks is bringing his entire catalog exclusively to the platform. The country music star, a long-time digital hold-out, will put 16 albums onto Amazon Music beginning Dec. 24 at midnight Eastern time. Continue Reading
Sirius XM announced that several podcasts from WNYC Studios will be added to its programming. Shows produced by the New York Public Radio group will air on Sirius XM Insight channel – which hosts podcasts, public radio, and political comedy – beginning Jan. 9, 2017. Continue Reading
Sara Clemens has resigned as Pandora’s Chief Operating Officer. She steps down after more than two years with the company, although she will remain for an unspecified “transition period.” Continue Reading
Dash Radio has entered into a joint venture with ad agency Engine Group to make video content for the online radio platform, creating a new revenue source. Dash’s service is ad-free, and instead of standalone spots, any promotions are done by the on-air talent or happen as sponsored stations. Continue Reading
Flo & Eddie’s see-saw of a legal case against Sirius XM has swung back in favor of the satellite radio company. New York appeals court Judge Leslie Stein ruled that the state’s common law does not protect public performance of pre-1972 sound recordings. Continue Reading
Pandora has hired Eric Picard as the audio company’s vice president of ad product management. In this role, Picard will oversee the ad product roadmap for Pandora, including premium engagement solutions and the company’s advertiser technology, buying and advertiser experience teams. Continue Reading
Rumor has come to fact as Nielsen has acquired music data company Gracenote from parent company Tribune Media. The market-leading metadata company for music, video, and sports content, Gracenote instantly gives Nielsen an extraordinary level of intelligence about what’s playing, and where. Continue Reading