The BBC is planning to create a new radio service that would act as a “Netflix of the spoken word.” Details are still scarce on this proposed plan, but it would involve paid access for BBC radio listeners outside the UK. There’s a fair amount to unpack in this development. Continue Reading
Subscriptions have become big business in the UK, with 78% now paying for one. New research from Zuora and YouGov surveyed more than 2,000 British adults about their use of subscriptions. A shift toward experience over ownership emerged as a key takeaway. Continue Reading
Vevo has been taking steps to differentiate its service from YouTube, and its CEO has said that the company is planning to launch a subscription tier for its videos. Speaking at the Code/Media conference, Erik Huggers said that adding a premium offering was likely in the future. Continue Reading
Emmis Communications announced the launch of its second mobile app for music streaming. The app is named Where Hip Hop Lives, and it’s available for iOS. The free version of the app is ad-supported, but it does have a subscription component as well. Continue Reading
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 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
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
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