Nielsen: On-Demand Streaming Grows by 93%
Nielsen has released its 2015 music year-end report. Total consumption for 2015, album sales plus track equivalent albums and streaming equivalent albums, increased more than 15% over 2014, led by the continued surge in streaming. More than 317 billion songs were streamed on-demand in 2015 through audio and video platforms, an increase of 92.8% from 2014
iHeart, UMG In Virtual Reality Partnership
Universal Music Group and iHeartMedia announced a partnership focused on virtual reality, which the two companies say will enable them to connect artists, music fans, and brands and sponsors in a series of entertainment experiences. The two companies say they will create entertainment experiences that leverage cutting-edge technology, making immersive VR performances and experiences accessible to U.S. audiences for the first time at scale.
Salem Launching Wellness Radio In The Twin Cities
It's the first-of-its-kind format set to go live on Monday. Salem is launching Wellness Radio on 1570 KDIZ AM in the Twin Cities. The format will be completely dedicated to health and wellness programming. The station is currently airing a business format.
AP Offers Stations Presidential Campaign Kits
The kit gives radio members election returns and AP journalists’ digital and on-air reporting on the presidential campaign in the months leading to election day. Subscribers will receive verified vote counts in their home state and surrounding areas in primaries and the Nov. 8 general election up to 12 times an hour via online maps and other modules.
Westwood One, Benztown Strike A Deal
It's a multi-year extension between the two companies who first formed a partnership in 2011. Benztown will provide radio imaging, production, voiceover, programming, and jingles to Westwood One and to Cumulus stations. And Westwood One will continue to manage affiliation and advertising sales for Benztown.
Intercambio Media Teams With Sun
Sun Broadcast Group and Intercambio Media announced they have entered into a network partnership that will bring Intercambio’s En Al Aire prep service and Fuxion audio imaging service to Sun’s Hispanic lineup. Sun’s Hispanic division, Sun Latino, will handle ad sales and affiliate relations for both services.
Berk Joins With Miller On WLS
Cumulus Media Chicago has hired Kim Berk (pictured) who will join Brant Miller as morning show co-host on WLS-FM. Berk moves to Chicago from New York City, where she was co-host of the Kim & Kane Show on WWFS-FM from 2009 to 2015.
NPR Gives Anya Grundmann VP Stripes
Grundmann's exact title with NPR will be Vice President of Programming and Audience Development. Grundmann has been in the new role on an interim basis and was selected following an extensive national search.
Hillman Joins Alpha In Savannah-Hilton Head
Allyson Hillman has been named Director of Business Development for Alpha in that market. Hillman spent 22 years in Detroit working for both Cumulus and iHeartMedia and has experience in
radio, television, Internet, digital, and outdoor.
Triton Partners With Hispanic Audio Company
Audio.Ad, a digital audio advertising company in Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, is partnering with Triton Digital. This deal enables the programmatic buying and selling of Audio.Ad’s network of online and mobile audio inventory through the Triton Digital audio ad exchange, a2x.
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