Rdio expands to nine new countries

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Rdio, Inc.Cumulus-invested Rdio, one of the largest streaming music services in the world, has announced its expansion into nine new territories, launching 5/19 in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Slovakia And Slovenia. Now available in 60 countries, Rdio continues to match its rapid global momentum with a continuous catalog expansion, including an emphasis on the incorporation of a local repertoire of music in these territories.


Cumulus’ deal with Rdio, the subscription music service from the founders of Skype, gives Cumulus an online outlet and help Rdio compete against more established players like Spotify. In exchange for what it calls a significant equity stake in Rdio’s parent company, Pulser Media, Cumulus gives Rdio broad access to its programming and promote Rdio on its stations.

Rdio has the ability to use chunks of Cumulus programming and promos on its own streams. In return, Cumulus sells ads for Rdio’s new free service and compile playlists for the new service. The deal between Rdio and Cumulus is a trade, with no cash changing hands. Further terms were not disclosed, but the value of Cumulus’s content and services is estimated at more than $100 million. Specifically, Rdio says will leverage the Cumulus sales infrastructure to monetize its upcoming ad-supported free products, including music on-demand, custom playlists and exclusive content curated by Cumulus.

Cumulus also sells advertising for a free version of the service in the US. Rdio, which launched in 2010 and costs $5 to $10 a month, is available in 31 markets around the world. It lets subscribers listen to millions of songs, build playlists and interact with other users. Subscribers have instant access to listen to any song they please. Cumulus will draw on its stations and syndicated shows to create playlists and other programs for Rdio users, stripping out localized details like traffic and weather.

“Rdio continues its focus to deliver the best music listening and discovery experience to every territory we bring into our global network, and to provide this premier experience at a great value to our listeners,” said Anthony Bay, CEO for Rdio. “We’re thrilled to have been able to expand from two to 60 countries in less than four years, while also pairing this rapid growth with regular catalog increases reflective of the amazing and distinct music that impacts the culture of each country we serve.”

To coincide with the launch, Rdio has created the “Rdio’s 60 Countries 60 Streams (http://www.rdio.com/people/RdioOnRdio/playlists/9348367/Rdio%27s_60_Countries_60_Streams)” playlist. Featuring one track from each of the 60 countries in Rdio’s network, the playlist combines current chart toppers, unforgettable classics, hometown anthems and Rdio favorites from around the globe.

The expansion news follows Rdio’s recent radio partnership announcements in Canada and Brazil, teaming with Shaw Communications and Grupo Bandeirantes respectively to create growth opportunities unique to each market. Joining similar pairings with radio entities in the U.S., Australia and Mexico, these marketing, content and promotion partnerships allow for dynamic synergies that create a more seamless listening experience for users in line with the market’s distinct offerings and needs.

With Rdio, music fans can access a massive catalog of over 25 million songs or start a custom station. Rdio is the groundbreaking digital music service that is reinventing the way people discover, play, and share music. Play what you want, when you want, or turn on a station for a perfect mix of songs. Launched in August 2010, Rdio is headquartered in San Francisco and was founded by Janus Friis, the co-creator of Skype, and is currently available in 60 countries.