Digital

141 posts

ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the US than sell the app, sources say

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TikTok • 2 min read

ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the US than sell the app, sources say

The clock is ticking for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face the app being banned in the US following the passing of a sell-or-be-banned law earlier this week. However, sources now say ByteDance would rather see TikTok close in the US than have to split up or sell on its all important algorithm…

Chris Cooke • 26 Apr 2024

Spotify says Apple “defying” European law as its updated app is knocked back

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Spotify • 2 min read

Spotify says Apple “defying” European law as its updated app is knocked back

Spotify is still trying to update its iOS app in the EU to take advantage of the recent regulator ruling in relation to Apple’s App Store rules. But Apple won’t approve the updates until Spotify agrees to new terms, including a new commission fee. That “defies” European law, says Spotify…

Chris Cooke • 26 Apr 2024

Indie publishers hit out at Spotify’s bundling trick to lower songwriter payments

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Spotify • 2 min read

Indie publishers hit out at Spotify’s bundling trick to lower songwriter payments

It recently emerged that Spotify was reclassifying its main premium subscription product as a bundle, because of the audiobooks, which means it can pay a lower song royalty rate under the compulsory licence in the US. A group of independent music publishers has now criticised that move…

Chris Cooke • 26 Apr 2024

The clock is now TikTokking as US Senate votes through sell-or-be-banned law

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TikTok • 3 min read

The clock is now TikTokking as US Senate votes through sell-or-be-banned law

The law ordering ByteDance to sell TikTok or see the app banned in the US has been passed by both chambers of Congress. TikTok will now begin work trying to get the law overturned in the courts, while Donald Trump tries to use his opposition to it to connect with younger voters…

Chris Cooke • 24 Apr 2024

Publishers hit out at Spotify’s bundling trick to reduce royalty payments

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Spotify • 2 min read

Publishers hit out at Spotify’s bundling trick to reduce royalty payments

Spotify has been accused of trying to “radically reduce songwriter payments” in the US by reclassifying its subscriptions as music and audiobook bundles. The change allows it to pay lower US compulsory licence rates, but the National Music Publishers Association says it “will not stand” for this…

Chris Cooke • 19 Apr 2024

MLC lawsuit is “wild overreach” says Pandora, accusing US mechanicals society of “legal frolics”

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Pandora • 3 min read

MLC lawsuit is “wild overreach” says Pandora, accusing US mechanicals society of “legal frolics”

Pandora has responded to a lawsuit filed by collecting society MLC in a dispute over whether or not the streaming platform’s personalised radio service should be classified as interactive or non-interactive. Pandora says not only is the MLC’s position on this wrong, it shouldn’t even have a position…

Chris Cooke • 17 Apr 2024

Amazon launches AI playlist tool in beta

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Amazon • 1 min read

Amazon launches AI playlist tool in beta

Amazon Music has launched a new AI playlist creation tool in beta for a small number of US users. This comes hot on the heels of a similar new feature announced by Spotify earlier this month. Whether it’s anything more than a novelty remains to be seen…

Andy Malt • 17 Apr 2024

Twitch “close” to securing major label licensing deals

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Twitch • 3 min read

Twitch “close” to securing major label licensing deals

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has said that after years of negotiations, the live streaming platform is now “pretty close” to securing licensing deals with the major record labels for the use of their music…

Andy Malt • 15 Apr 2024

Universal relaxes TikTok boycott - but only if your name is Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift • 2 min read

Universal relaxes TikTok boycott - but only if your name is Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has a new album to promote and would presumably like her fans to help by posting TikTok videos aplenty. But she works with Universal Music, which is boycotting TikTok. Worry not, however, because Universal’s big boycott no longer applies to Swift…

Chris Cooke • 12 Apr 2024

Spotify planning tools to allow users to remix tracks

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Spotify • 2 min read

Spotify planning tools to allow users to remix tracks

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Spotify plans to provide remixing tools within its app that will allow users to speed up, mash up and otherwise tweak tracks in a legitimate and licensed way. There’s a logic to that plan, but it also raises some copyright questions…

Chris Cooke • 12 Apr 2024

“Fundamental reform of music streaming” must come soon, say MPs

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Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee • 6 min read

“Fundamental reform of music streaming” must come soon, say MPs

There must be “tangible steps to improve musicians’ remuneration and performer rights” in the next year, says a new report from MPs. Too many professional musicians are struggling to make ends meet says the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee…

Chris Cooke • 10 Apr 2024

GEMA says German song right income is booming, but digital growth is lacking

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GEMA • 2 min read

GEMA says German song right income is booming, but digital growth is lacking

GEMA has published stats detailing song rights income in Germany in 2023. While it was a financially successful year, the collecting society says that digital growth was disappointing in the country, especially when compared to gains enjoyed by the record industry…

Chris Cooke • 09 Apr 2024