Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Spotify exec on data-driven marketing; behind the scenes with Coloring Book’s success; Spotify as SoundCloud suitor? Continue Reading
Sun Broadcast Group has added eight new affiliates to the Shazam for Radio program. The service, which offers branded user experiences for radio stations within the Shazam app, already used by more than 1,000 channels owned by the major radio groups. Continue Reading
On Monday, Pandora announced the debut of three charts through its Next Big Sound unit: Trendsetters, Predictions, and Top Spins. We decided to look at the first Top Spins chart against The Big Picture (Mediabase) and against this week’s CHR/Top 40 airplay. These are the stories that emerge. Continue Reading
Pennsylvania may be the latest state to levy a tax against streaming and download services. The state is expected to enact a 6% tax on Spotify and other comparable services beginning Aug. 1. Continue Reading
Several streaming services have been adding lyrics features to their core offerings, and Apple appears to be hiring to get those skills in-house. The tech company has a job posted for a Lyrics Curation Manager, someone to lead the lyrics efforts within the Content Curation umbrella. Continue Reading
YouTube has inked a deal with the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency, marking a step toward increased rights management for the online video platform in the northern nation. CMRRA will license the copies of audiovisual content made by YouTube in the process of delivering that content to its audience. Continue Reading
There are still a few hours left to register for today’s free RAIN/Omny webinar, Beyond the Download: A Deeper Understanding of Podcast Listening. This morning we learned that Omny is also planning an important announcement that Matt Saraceni says is “a game changer.” RAIN News does not have details or a press release yet, so we will learn what this is about at the same time as webinar attendees. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves include a digital strategy hire at UMG, plus a new advisor for Revolver Podcasts and a new director at the NMPA. Continue Reading
Children and family programming has been an area of interest for streaming services, and Spotify is the latest to add that content into its audio offerings. The new section under its Genres & Moods section features playlists made in-house as well as by Walt Disney Records and other children’s companies. Continue Reading
Pandora is expanding on its purchase of Next Big Sound from last spring with the launch of three new charts, all of which are now live. The lists are Trendsetters, Predictions, and Top Spins. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: A hi-fi streaming survey. Questioning the BBC and surveillance. Much more news from the U.S. the UK, Australia, and elsewhere. Continue Reading
Hillary Clinton is co-hosting a podcast about her presidential campaign. The With Her show will include conversations not just with the candidate, but with other key members of her team, from running mate Tim Kaine to supporters and staffers. the show seeks to present a different side of Clinton, in a way that podcasting is perfectly suited to do. Continue Reading