Last week iHeartMedia hosted a “Soundfront” to introduce a slate of new podcasts to advertisers. Today NPR is hosting a podcast upfront, promoting its most successful existing programs. The era of podcast upfronts has arrived. Continue Reading
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The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: “Serial” wins a Peabody; Apple Watch launch day — what can you listen to?; new iHeartMedia podcasts; Tidal reaches out to indies; Norway targets FM switch-off. Continue Reading
Sara Morris has joined iHeartMedia as senior director of government affairs. She comes to iHeart from the Federal Communications Commission, where she was director of the legislative affairs department. Morris also spent time as a deputy director and telecommunications policy analyst in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Congressional Affairs. Continue Reading
In a far-reaching agreement, iHeartMedia and its subsidiary Katz Media Group have partnered with Jelli, the automated radio advertising platform, for programmatic ad-buying of broadcast radio inventory. RAIN News spoke to Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty. Continue Reading
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
Brian Lakamp, who guided the rise of iHeartRadio, will leave iHeartMedia. Lakamp confirmed with RAIN News that he is exiting the company to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Continue Reading
SoundExchange filed its rebuttal document with the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), part of the “Webcasting IV” proceeding which will set music licensing rates that govern online radio royalty payments to artists and labels for the 2016-2020 period. Pandora filed its… Continue Reading
Media services agency Horizon Media has announced that it is developing new ways of targeting listening audiences, based on listener mood. The mood-based audience segmenting is mainly for radio buying, but Horizon indicates that Internet radio could use the new technology too. Continue Reading
ComScore released its review of the top 50 digital media properties in the U.S. for December 2014. Pandora ranked No. 19 with 89.4 million unique visitors during the month. iHeartMedia Digital also secured the final spot on the new list at No. 50. Continue Reading
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
Guest columnist Larry Rosin examines trendlines of streaming growth as measured by Triton Digital’s monthly Webcast Metrics report. Continue Reading
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