RAIN Hotspots: Reader favorites for May 4-8
This was an eventful week, and RAIN News readers told us, through their article choices, what the most important topics were. Call it RAIN News “Share of Eye.” Continue Reading
Pandora
Pandora defeats ASCAP again, winning appeal of 2014 royalty case
Pandora has prevailed in an appeal case brought by ASCAP, which sought to overturn a court judgment in March, 2014. ASCAP announced in August that it would pursue an appeal of that ruling. Continue Reading
Pandora wins FCC ruling to buy KXMZ radio station
The FCC has granted Pandora broadcast approval permission to own a terrestrial radio station. This means that Pandora has cleared the major hurdle to complete its $600,000 purchase of the KXMZ station in Rapid City, South Dakota, which it started in 2013. Continue Reading
Internet Radio Rewind #041: Should radio pay? Pandora earnings; something new for podcasting
A weekly podcast from RAIN News
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Copyright chief wants radio to pay; Copyright Royalty Board starts a music licensing trial; Sirius XM earnings; Pandora earnings; something new for podcasting. Continue Reading
Pandora inches closer to radio station ownership with Wheeler nod
For nearly two years, Pandora has attempted to close its $600,000 purchase of KXMZ, a Rapid City radio station. There are signs of movement now as FCC Chair Tom Wheeler has reportedly asked FCC members for a waiver in this case. Pandora would benefit from lower music royalty costs. Continue Reading
Larry Rosin: How are Radio Simulcasts Competing on Smartphones Today?
by Larry Rosin
Thousands of radio stations have their simulcasts available on mobile devices. Radio stations spend billions in paid-equivalent value promoting these apps. Yet, all rolled into one they are getting a small share of listening. Continue Reading
CRB webcast rate trial begins today; start of five-week process
Although thousands of pages of legal arguments and rebuttals have been submitted over several months, today marks the start of a five-week process at the heart of Webcasting IV — the in-person litigation of U.S. music licensing rates for the 2016-2020 royalty period. Continue Reading
Pandora Q1 earnings: higher revenue, greater net loss, stock up
“I’m excited to speak with you regarding our strong start of the year.” So began Pandora CEO Brian McAndrews’ quarterly address to investors as he reported first-quarter earnings. He discussed financials, audience metrics, size of the sales force, data management, and future guidance. Continue Reading
Larry Rosin: Can Radio Station Simulcasts Compete on Smartphones?
by Larry Rosin
A little over five years ago, simulcasts made up the majority of online radio usage. Then over the last several years Pandora has enjoyed consistent growth while the market for simulcasts is pretty much flat. Continue Reading
What can you listen to with the Apple Watch on Friday?
Friday is a big day for tech aficionados, as the much-discussed Apple Watch will finally arrive in stores. A new Apple device, even one as divisive as the smartwatch, is always cause for big buzz. In this instance, one of the notable topics is which services that we’ve come to expect on iPhones will be making the transition to the wrist. Continue Reading
Larry Rosin: The Little Machines that Built Pandora
by Larry Rosin
Our Infinite Dial studies have been tracking usage of online radio since 1998, and we have asked about ‘monthly usage’ since 2000. In a recent meeting I made the comment that if one superimposes the graph showing growth of smartphone ownership over the monthly online radio usage one can see a strong correlation. Continue Reading
Pandora will be on Apple Watch at launch
Pandora will be available on the Apple Watch from its debut on April 24. According to the press release, Pandora will offer intuitive interactions for listeners, even within the smartwatch’s space and size constraints. This participation with Apple’s latest mobile offering is part of Pandora’s mission to be a ubiquitous listening option. Continue Reading