Pandora Adds Streams Based On Individual Users' 'Thumbprint' Data, CRB To Rule On New Royalty Rates

New Stream

PANDORA has launched "Thumbprint Radio," a personalized stream for each user based on the users' individual thumbs-up, thumbs-down selection history.  The streams leverage PANDORA's over 60 billion pieces of thumb data.

“Thumbprint Radio is a collaboration between each listener and PANDORA,” said Chief Product Officer CHRIS PHILLIPS. “You shared with us what music you love via all your thumbs, and we heard you. We have combined all your favorites with music we know you’ll love to create a new station that reflects your unique musical thumbprint.”

PANDORA's rates for the next five years, from 2016-2020, will be determined by the COPYRIGHT ROYALTY BOARD when it meets this WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 16th). PANDORA is seeking lower rates, while SOUNDEXCHANGE, which collects the majority of the service's royalty payments) is calling for them to double.  The NAB has called on the CRB to adjust the rate for "non-interactive' streaming services such as PANDORA, iHEARTRADIO and local stations who wish to stream on the Internet (NET NEWS 12/14)

PANDORA is asking for a uniform rate structure for streaming royalties, which seemed to be affirmed when the REGISTER OF COPYRIGHTS declined to provide an opinion on the matter in NOVEMBER.  In SEPTEMBER, the CRB backed a deal with indie music trade group MERLIN to establish a benchmark for recording royalty rates.

« see more Net News