Entries by Sarah Skates

Rates Set For Radio Station Streaming

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and SoundExchange have reached an agreement on streaming rates for local radio stations that simulcast online or that have other Internet stations. For 2009-10 these rates will be reduced by about 16%, then they will gradually increase through 2015. In 2009 the rate will be $0.0015 per streamed sound […]

Sirius XM Creditors Consider Ejecting Chief

Sirius XM Radio chief executive Mel Karmazin may be removed from his post by creditors if the company files for bankruptcy instead of making a deal to remain operational, the Wall Street Journal reports. Among the satcaster’s options to stay afloat are making deals with either EchoStar or Liberty Media Corp. The New York-based Sirius […]

Benefit Gala Honors Sweethearts Amy and James Otto

The Nashville State Community College 2009 Sweethearts for Scholarships Gala was held Friday night (2/13) honoring celebrity sweethearts Amy and James Otto. There is also an auction coinciding with the fundraiser for the school’s scholarship program going on at CMTAuctions.com. Starting at $50, and available until Feb. 20, the Love Lyrics auction includes lyrics autographed […]

Belmont Hosts Events For Wynonna, Industry Execs.

Wynonna mentored Belmont University’s Music Business students last week as part of the school’s The Insider’s View series. Students of a Record Company Operations class produced and promoted the event which also served as a CD release party and concert for her latest release, Sing. On Sat., Feb. 21 Belmont and its music business students […]

Music Marketing Crosses Platforms

Cross-promotion and corporate tie-ins are an ever-growing part of the music business. Here are some of the latest and most creative examples, with Disney and 19 Entertainment leading the way. “The American Idol Experience,” a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, is opening this week. Guests can audition to take the spotlight onstage, […]

MAC Presents Hires Ruth Gonzalez

Music sponsorship specialists MAC Presents has added Operations Manager Ruth Gonzalez to its team. She brings more than fifteen years of experience as a talent agent to the Nashville-based firm, including nine years at Creative Artists Agency in Beverly Hills, where she was responsible for artists including Jesse McCartney and Ashlee Simpson. She also represented […]

Flatts Fans Pick New Album Art

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney revealed the cover for their April 7 release, Unstoppable, before last night’s (2/12) sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The guys selected four finalists for the cover art from thousands of entries submitted through the People’s Choice Awards Web site […]

Spotify Offers Free Streaming

A new online listening service is getting rave reviews from users in Europe. Originally from Sweden and now available in the UK, Spotify allows free ad-supported streaming of personalized playlists. Because the streaming is unlimited, proponents of the system say it provides an incentive not to download illegally. Spotify reportedly has an exceptional catalog through […]

TV Goes Country With Cable Guy Roast, New “Crossroads”

Larry The Cable Guy will be the subject of much jeering on Comedy Central’s 2009 Roast. On hand to give Larry some good-natured ribbing will be Toby Keith, Jeff Foxworthy, Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino, Jeffrey Ross, and many others to be announced. The show tapes in Los Angeles at […]

McBride Takes Fresh Approach To New Release

Martina McBride decided it was time for a change when she started contemplating her tenth studio album, set for release March 24 on longtime label home RCA Records. She says teaming with chart-topping producer Dann Huff to record Shine forced her out of her comfort zone and rekindled her creativity. “I think it was time […]