Australian consumers spend $181 per month on digital services, according to a new report by EY. The study, Digital Australia: State of the Nation 2015-16, explored use of music and other entertainment services across ages and platforms. Continue Reading
Southern Cross Austereo, Australia’s largest commercial radio group, has reportedly started turning on the webcasts of its radio stations. At least 18 stations are now simulcasting. It has been two years since, in a startling boycott of Internet-delivered radio, Australian radio stations shut off their streams as an act of protest. Continue Reading
Australia is seeing an increase in digital radio audience. Among the major capital cities, 40% of Australians have access to DAB+ digital radio either at home, at work, or in cars. That means an audience of 3.2 million in those metropolitan areas. Continue Reading
Guvera announced that it raised $100 million in a financing round over the holiday weekend. The streaming service’s leaders said they would next be turning their attention to an IPO, with plans to list on the Australian Securities Exchange or Nasdaq. “It’s a pre-IPO round…but we haven’t set any timeline,” CEO Darren Herft told The Australian Financial Review. Continue Reading
TuneCore has expanded to Australia, with the launch of its distribution and publishing services in the new TuneCore Australia division. This new branch will allow artists based in Australia to access all of TuneCore’s usual suite of features in the local currency. Continue Reading
Pandora has launched its first local integrated ad campaign for the Australia and New Zealand markets. The ads made their debut across TV, digital, and outdoor in those regions on Saturday. The concept is firsts, with people talking about the musical accompaniments to various milestones, such as first kisses or first jobs. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: iHeartMedia talks programmatic; Virgin + Guvera in Australia; is Sony/ATV on the chopping block? Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves include a new CEO at Cumulus Media and a new COO for 7digital. We also cover a promotion within the digital ranks at Universal and a new hire for Spotify’s Australia/New Zealand team. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: SoundCloud CEO on labels, varied business models; Apple Music is tops down under; how Pandora’s CTO works. Continue Reading
The Australian Communications and Media Authority announced that it will extend the current round of DAB+ trials until June 30, 2016. The tests are occurring in Canberra and Darwin, and are being led by Commercial Radio Australia. The trials happening in the capital city of Canberra include the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service, with hope for community services to eventually join. Continue Reading
Pandora’s Australian team is seeking a new commercial director. Jon Stubley, who most recently held the job, announced his departure from the company after two years in order to spend more time with family. Before Pandora, Stubley also worked at Macquarie Radio and the Australian Radio Network. Continue Reading
Commercial Radio Australia announced the launch of a report on DAB+ stations in the country. The data from market research firm GfK marks the first release of audience numbers for DAB+ stations since the technology launched down under in 2009. There are currently 3.16 million people in the DAB+ audience across Australia’s five main metropolitan cities. Continue Reading