Can Free Streaming Work? Global’s DAX Is Now Slacker Radio’s Exclusive Audio Advertising Partner

Global-owned DAX has just scored an exclusive deal with Slacker Radio. But how well can they monetize it? Ad-supported audio has always been a soggy revenue source.  But smarter ad technologies and approaches — across all forms of media — could be turn…

Sony/ATV Scores a Juicy Queen Sync in Amazon Alexa’s Super Bowl Spot

Sony/ATV Publishing has landed a high-profile sync on Amazon’s Alexa Super Bowl commercial. The spot features a star-studded celebrity line-up, all of whom experience failed beta tests of Alexa devices.  Throughout, the entire spot has Queen’s “Don’t S…

LG’s $380 BTS-Branded Smartphone Is Another Easy Sellout

BTS is putting their ultra-successful merchandising strategy into overdrive. LG announced the Q7+ BTS Edition (Q617QA) last September for South Korea, but it’s finally making its way to the United States. The device is up for pre-order on Amazon for $3…

Deezer Taps Triton-Powered Programmatic Ads to Boost Free Tier Revenues

Deezer has partnered with Triton Digital to monetize its free-tier membership with programmatic audio advertising. Triton is one of the biggest providers of audio advertising in the industry.  Deezer says the new partnership will improve advertising ef…

Janet Jackson Replaces WMA With Paradigm For Global Representation

Janet Jackson has announced a new partnership with Paradigm Talent to represent her brand globally. Paradigm will represent Jackson’s entire brand, including touring, theatrical, film, branding, and more.  Jackson’s move to Paradigm ends her lengthy st…

AdsWizz Is Now Integrated With Google Display and Video 360

Hot on the heels of iHeartMedia’s acquisition of Jelli, AdsWizz has announced integration with Google Display and Video 360. Pandora acquired AdsWizz earlier this year in a deal estimated to be worth $145 million. The new partnership opens up digital a…

iHeartMedia Will Acquire Jelli to Boost Its Programmatic Audio Advertising

What bankruptcy?  iHeartMedia is doubling-down on audio ad-tech with a Jelli acquisition. Today, the company announced that it would acquire Jelli Inc. The small tech startup is responsible for iHeartMedia’s SoundPoint programmatic platform, which enab…

Post Malone’s Custom-Designed $60 Crocs Sell Out In 24 Hours — But More Are Coming

Yesterday, rapper Post Malone announced a partnership with Crocs to create a customized design. The resulting ‘Post Malone x Crocs’ sold out in less than 24 hours. That Apple-style quick sellout was probably intentional, though the company says you’ll …

Warner Music Group Acquires EMP Merchandising for $180 Million

Today Warner Music Group announced it plans to buy EMP Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH (EMP) for $180 million. EMP is a European specialty entertainment and music merchandise e-tailer and is currently owned by Sycamore Partners, a private equity …

Beats by Dre Is Now the Official Headphone of the NBA

Beats by Dre just became the official headphone partner of the NBA.  The announcement was made today by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The new deal covers a wide range of marketing and merchandising opportunities for both sides.  But this is even broader th…