Editor’s Notebook: Ipsos In-Car Audio Study confirms people like what they’re familiar with

by Brad Hill

A new Ipsos In-Car Audio Study, sponsored by iHeartMedia, reveals that most repondents listen to AM/FM radio in the car, and overwhelmingly like push-button radios in the dashboard. This column notes that the average American car is 11.4 years old, and that technology change is always resisted by a preference for the familiar. Continue Reading

iHeartMedia announces SoundBoard, a creative studio for brand marketing

Seeking to offer brand marketers deeper and more original integration into its vast range of distribution assets, iHeartMedia has built and launched iHeartMedia SoundBoard, a creative entertainment studio that promises to develop innovative ad campaigns.

We spoke with Gayle Troberman, Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia. Continue Reading

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iHeartMedia proposes reducing webcast royalty rates by 80%

by Brad Hill

iHeartMedia has proposed reducing the royalty rate webcasters pay to artists and labels, cutting the existing rate set for terrestrial webcasters by 80 percent. The suggested royalty amount is less than half of Pandora’s suggested rate, which in turn is about half the rate suggested by SoundExchange, which represents music labels. iHeart’s argument is based on its negotiated deal with Warner Music Group, which provides lower royalty rates in exchange for greater exposure of Warner music. Continue Reading

iHeartMedia taps former Microsoft exec as new CMO

iHeartMedia has hired Gayle Troberman to join the company as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Troberman most recently served a brief executive stint at IPG Mediabrands, but previously worked for 16 years at Microsoft. She held multiple advertising and marketing positions at the tech company, and eventually rose to the rank of chief creative officer. Prior to this hiring announcement, Troberman worked with iHeartMedia as a consultant on the project to rebrand itself from the Clear Channel name. Continue Reading