Streaming talk content gets another boost: Scribd adds audiobook subscription service

Scribd, a digital book service, launched an all-you-can-read ebook subscription program last year. Now, it has added an audiobook component to its offerings. The plan costs $8.99 a month and offers unlimited reading and listening within its catalog. It currently has more than half a million ebooks and more than 30,000 audiobooks available. The rollout of audiobooks within Scribd’s service highlights a few of the recent trends that the entertainment and media industries should be keeping tabs on. Continue Reading

Mixcloud shifts business model with addition of paid account options

Mixcloud has updated its membership options, adding two paid subscriptions. CTO Mat Clayton said the goal of adding paid tiers was to diversify and smoothen the company’s revenue. “We think it’s important to have a product that allows our users to pay for the Mixcloud service,” Clayton said. “This sets the precedent that content and services on the internet are valuable.” Continue Reading

INgrooves CEO sounds off on solving digital music’s math problems

Debates over the digital music industry have been raging fast and furious of late. This week, INgrooves Music Group CEO and Founder Robb McDaniels wrote a guest post for Hypebot with his opinions on the current state of affairs. He highlighted how much (or how little) artists can monetize on YouTube. Continue Reading

Cumulus acquires stake in Rdio, will launch free, ad-supported music service

Major broadcast radio group Cumulus and online subscription streaming service Rdio have forged a deal that gives Cumulus a significant online outlet, and not only affords Rdio access to the broadcaster’s music programming, but allows it to launch a free,… Continue Reading