Rdio Adds almost 500 Cumulus Stations

Rdios new live broadcast radio programming includes sports content from local stations as well as through Westwood One.

By Chris CookeWith everyone in the streaming music game busy adding content that isn’t, you know, just boring old music, Rdio has announced it will be pulling 500 American radio stations into the mix for users Stateside. Many people listen to radio in their cars, and then switch to streaming options when they are at their computers or on their phones.

“There [are] still tons of people out there that are listening to music every week that haven’t used any streaming service”, says Chris Becherer, Rdio’s senior vice president for product.

Tracks played by traditional radio stations are still identified by the app, allowing paid subscribers to download them for later listening, while free subscribers are able to favorite them and use them to start standard Rdio radio stations. This combination leverages live radio’s time-tested discovery qualities while giving listeners the freedom and flexibility to explore newly discovered artists in more depth. Rdio Select is the only $3.99 monthly subscription service for songs on demand (up to 25 per day), reflecting Rdio’s commitment to being the most customizable streaming platform that accommodates the individual listener’s needs.

Elsewhere in ‘I thought we were in the on-demand age what’s all this live content nonsense?’ news, Mixcloud has told Music Ally it is also considering a move into live streams.

Moreover, Rdio will also support more than just music stations; sports stations would be a unique draw that competitors like Spotify and Apple Music can’t now offer. Stations that will be featured include CUMULUS outlets Classic Hip Hop WRWM (93.9 THE BEAT)/INDIANAPOLIS, Classic Rock KLOS/LOS ANGELES, Country Classics WSM-F (95-5 NASH ICON)/NASHVILLE, Country WNSH (NASH FM 94.7)/NEW YORK, Triple A KFOG/SAN FRANCISCO and more. “Broadcast radio brands and talent continue to be the dominant tastemakers in music, so integrating live broadcast radio into Rdio’s critically acclaimed customer experience is an exciting development that we are thrilled to introduce”.

When opening the Rdio app, users will see live radio stations that match their listening habits, mixed with album and song suggestions picked by Rdio’s recommendation algorithms.