by James Cridland
James Cridland, U.K.-based radio futurologist, delivered an opening-day speech at Radio Days Johannesburg. He examined the threats radio faces in the digital era, including shifting demographics, reduced time spent, and competition in the car. He also notes radio’s built-in advantages, but ends with a warning against complacency. Continue Reading
On Friday, the Copyright Office extended by one week the deadline for comments on its wide-ranging proceeding on the current music licensing regime and whether reforms are necessary or appropriate. Broadcast law attorney David Oxenford explains why this is important for all webcasters. Continue Reading
Pono Music, the nascent high-fidelity portable music player and download store founded by Neil Young, brings its Kickstarter campaign to a close today having nearly octupled (if that’s a word) the original goal of $800,000. The current tally is $6.1-million with three hours to go. Impressive, but still probably a niche product. Continue Reading
Although the deal closed last year, the news is breaking only now: SoundCloud scored $60M of new funding from Institutional Venture Partners (IVP) and the Chernin Group. Investors call SoundCloud the YouTube of audio. Isn’t YouTube already that? Continue Reading
An unofficial revenue report reveals YouTube as a financial giant. On the content side, YouTube is winning the streaming-music war before launching its rumored music service. Led Zeppelin signed an “exclusive” streaming deal with Spotify, but already has a much larger presence on YouTube. Continue Reading
Frances Moore, CEO of the International Federation of Phonographic Industries, made some waves and splashed some cool water of long-term thinking on the hot debate over artist payouts from streaming music services. Moore spoke at the ARIA Masterclass in Sydney,… Continue Reading
This is a guest column by Jennifer Lane, first published at Audio4cast. Speaking of seismic shifts, YouTube held it’s own music awards on Sunday, and if buzz factor is any measure of success (it is, of course), then it was… Continue Reading
— After 17 years / Spotify
— Walled garden + open platform: A speculative merger / Hernan Lopez
In his latest column, Steve frankly addresses broadcasters: “The reality is that radio is still largely behind in the shift from linear to on-demand.” Citing cumes in major markets, the conclusion is that the average listener never hears most of radio’s best moments. Podcasting can rescue that loss. Podcasting isn’t just nice to have, Steve asserts, “It’s the most effective way to recapture the listening you’re already losing and to keep your audience engaged when they’re not in the car or near a radio.” It’s all about retention. A must-read column — rigorous, bracing, and motivating. Continue Reading
“The recorded music industry had two lanes: retail and radio. Piracy killed retail. Streaming killed piracy, then went on to, if not kill, then seriously maim radio. The two lanes converged into one – reverse bifurcation.” In his latest column, Mark Mulligan asks whether streaming (more exactly, supremium) can monetize fandom. Continue Reading
Guest columnist Steve Goldstein reviews the just-ended 2023 with a collection of insights and perspectives culled from conversation, interviews, and Steve’s own reflections. It’s “a quick highlight reel of actionable ideas and thought-provoking takeaways,” featuring celebrated thought leaders, mostly in podcasting. Continue Reading