Roku is elbowing its way into the voice and smart speaker space. The company, best known for its streaming video set-top boxes, announced that it plans to launch its own voice assistant this year. Also, Roku said it is expanding its licensing program to include soundbar and smart speaker manufacturers. Continue Reading
Nielsen’s 2017 report reflects the same trends that were highlighted by researchers and big data throughout the year. Streaming is becoming ever-more securely entrenched as the foundation for today’s music industry, with growth in both consumption and sales. Continue Reading
Mark Mulligan of MIDiA Research reflects on the two Spotify developments that dominated yesterday’s headlines. First, the streaming service has taken its first strides toward launching a direct listing. Second, Spotify was sued by music publisher Wixen. Is the listing in trouble? Continue Reading
BuzzAngle Music has shared its music consumption data for 2017. The number of on-demand audio streams reached a new record high, up 50.3% to 376.9 billion, including both subscription and ad-supported streams. Subscription streams were up 57.5%, while ad-supported streams grew just 27.3%. Continue Reading
Some Sirius XM subscribers have been informed that their subscription costs will go up starting in mid-February. The price hike is attached to a Music Royalty Fee already paid by some accounts. Continue Reading
Podcast measurement firm Podtrac has revised two of its Podcast Industry Ranking charts for November audience size, citing IAB podcast measurement guidelines. The action removed iHeartMedia from the Top 10 Podcast Publishers chart, and the Top 10 Snackable Podcasts chart (formerly Top 15 Snackable Podcasts). Continue Reading
Facebook is moving full steam ahead in expanding its music team. The social media company has added three more people to that department, continuing the extensive number of hires made during 2017. Continue Reading
One of the perpetual stories that kept appearing in out 2017 headlines was the lingering question of Spotify and its plan for an IPO. The signs had pointed toward the streaming service pursuing a direct listing. Now, news has emerged that Spotify filed the confidential documents with the SEC to begin the IPO process in the final days of December. Continue Reading
The UK saw its total music sales increase 9.6% between 2016 and 2017, reaching a total of £1.2 billion, according to the Entertainment Retailers Association. Streaming was a key factor in the positive performance thanks to 41.9% growth in sales. Continue Reading
Publisher Wixen has sued Spotify over claims that the streaming service used thousands of songs without the proper license. The suit was filed on December 29 in California federal court. Wixen is looking to recoup damages of at least $1.6 billion plus injunctive relief. The publisher represents titles by several well-known artists, including Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Stevie Nicks. Continue Reading
Never a dull moment, or a dull year, in the online audio field. Here, we present RAIN’s annual Predictions feature, provided by industry leaders around the world. 2018 will carry forward the audio industry’s reputation for quick, disruptive change. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Questioning the top Podtrac “Snackable Podcast.” Big holiday download numbers for Alexa on Android. Start 2018 right with a hilarious podcast parody. Continue Reading