Shaw Communications, owner of an extensive cable TV and internet network, has made a strategic investment in Rdio’s parent company, Pulser Media, in an effort to bring more streaming music content to its subscribers.
Though the investment size has not been revealed, Shaw’s CEO, Brad Shaw said, “Rdio is the best available digital streaming music experience and a great complement to our leading broadband and Shaw Go WiFi services. Our partnership with Rdio will develop great offers that will enable Shaw customers and everyone across the country to enjoy this service.”
The partnership encompasses “marketing, content and promotion,” and will position Rdio within Shaw’s brands as the “leading digital music service in Canada.”
Canada is Rdio’s second-largest market, according to CEO Anthony Bay, and the venture will likely allow for placing local ads, facilitated by Shaw, in Rdio’s free streaming tier on mobile and web. Shaw recently deployed a high-speed WiFi network with 30,000 hotspots across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and pockets of Saskatchewan and Ontario. Its subsidiary, Shaw Media, also owns Global Television and specialty channels like Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada.
Rdio is available on Android, iOS, Windows Phone and the web.
[source]WSJ[/source]
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