Spotify Suspends Political Ads Until Tighter Vetting Is Possible

Spotify is in early talks to acquire Bill Simmons' media startup The Ringer, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.The deal would be the latest in a succession of purchases by Spotify to bulk up its podcasting business. In addition to a website that covers sports and pop culture, The Ringer has a thriving podcast arm with more than 30 shows, including flagship The Bill Simmons Podcast, Binge Mode and The Watch.A Spotify spokesman declined to comment.

Spotify is in early talks to acquire The Ringer, the digital content and podcast network launched by ESPN alum Bill Simmons in 2016, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

A murder trial at the Old Bailey was temporarily suspended, because of a rodent running around the dock.

Universal Music Japan announced today that Ichiro Tamaki has been named as Corporate Executive responsible for Digital Strategy, data analytics and platform partnerships, effective February 15.

The Currys PC World clearance sale has some of the best tech and electrical deals we’ve seen this month - and it just got even better.

TOKYO — Universal Music Japan, the Japanese arm of the world’s largest major label, has hired away a Spotify executive to take on a newly created role overseeing digital strategy in the second-largest music market.Ichiro Tamaki will be the corporate executive responsible for digital strategy, data analytics and platform partnerships. He will be responsible for leading and developing UMJ’s digital and streaming strategy for Japan.

Spotify is introducing a new feature that will design a playlist suited to your pet’s personality. Spotify for Pets algorithmically generates a playlist based on the kind of animal you have, as well as their attitude (e.g., “Apathetic” vs. “Curious” for a cat). Currently, it offers playlists for dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and iguanas. (Sorry, rabbit and ferret parents.) Learn more below.

A new report also reveals huge payouts for Drake, Post Malone, and The Chainsmokers

Spotify has quickly become the soundtrack to many people's lives.

Spotify has come up with a puurfect playlist to share with your favorite animals. From today, the music streaming giant unveils Pet Playlists, a new offering which allows fans of music and animals to enjoy both at the same time.

Mark Hamill has deleted his Facebook profile and blasted company founder Mark Zuckerberg after it was announced political advertisements will not be fact checked before going live.

MUMBAI — Nearly a year after its launch here, Spotify announced that it has signed a multi-territory licensing agreement with Warner Chappell Music, which includes India.

Spotify and Warner Music announced early Tuesday morning that they have signed a global deal that ends the unusually bitter and public licensing dispute that flared up last year. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. However, it seems the deal is only with Warner Chappell, the company’s music-publishing division; Spotify’s dispute with WMG’s recorded-music division is apparently ongoing. Reps did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment on that matter.

Judge Dawn M. Gentry — Photo Facebook

Rosario Dawson will always have boyfriend Cory Booker's back!

By Ted Johnson

LAS VEGAS — The steady rise in listenership for high-end podcasts is opening up a host of opportunities for creatives in the comedy arena, director-producer Paul Feig and internet star Lele Pons told CES attendees on Wednesday.

Spotify is introducing new podcast advertising technology that the company touts as helping producers and brands better track the performance of the spots that air during audio shows on its platform.Through a product Spotify is calling Streaming Ad Insertion, the company will be able to insert more targeted advertising into podcasts in real time.