Vevo names Jon Gisby as Head of Europe

Vevo has hired Jon Gisby its new Head of Europe. He joins the company after working on the BBC’s digital strategy and running content and services at UK ISP Freeserve. In this new role, he will be responsible for delivering Vevo’s plans for content, technology, and monetization in that market. Jon Gisby has been a forward-looking executive during a career with many parts. Continue Reading

Europe seeing progress toward DAB standard in cars

DAB and DAB+ receivers are making further inroads into car manufacturers. The majority of new cars sold in the UK, Norway, and Switzerland are now equipped with the digital radio receivers. Patrick Hannon, president of WorldDAB, said 82% of new cars in the UK have DAB as standard, followed by 73% in Norway and 65% in Switzerland. Continue Reading

SoundCloud inks European deal with Universal, SACEM

A new agreement for SoundCloud will expand its library available for Europe. The audio company entered a tie-up with Universal Music Publishing International and the Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music (SACEM) in France. The licensing deal covers SoundCloud’s new Go subscription service and its free, ad-supported listening. Continue Reading

Labels seek EU regulatory intervention on Sony/ATV buyout

Sony has taken steps to assume sole ownership of the Sony/ATV publishing branch, buying out the stake owned by Michael Jackson’s estate. However, the move has raised some concerns among the other labels. Warner Music Group and a collection of independent labels have brought their concerns over the buyout before the European Commission. Continue Reading

Europe’s digital chief joins the YouTube debate

Another voice joined the debate over YouTube, this time from the EU government. Andrus Ansip, former prime minister of Estonia and current vice president for the digital single market on the European Commission, said YouTube’s lower payments made to the music industry give it an unfair advantage over services that focus on subscriptions. Continue Reading

Newly formed European Digital Radio Alliance will promote DAB across EU

Broadcasting leaders at the Radiodays Europe conference have announced the creation of the European Digital Radio Alliance. This organization will promote DAB and digital radio across the bloc. It was established in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union, which recently released a study into the adoption of digital radio technology in the EU. Continue Reading

Nordic streaming swells, radio (sometimes) leads discovery

Streaming is a popular music choice in the Nordic region and continues to grow in popularity. A survey commissioned by three European collecting societies found that 9.4 million consumers in the region streamed music in 2015. The survey also inquired about discovery outlets. Radio was the top choice on average, but preferences shifted drastically for the youngest respondents. Continue Reading