Years after disabling the ability to submit new stations, TuneIn is reopening access to their platform with the launch of “TuneIn On Air“.
The new service, open only to broadcasters in the United States, charges $249 per quarter (just under a $1000 annually) to have a stream included in TuneIn’s directory. While TuneIn has not responded to our inquiry for more information, a FAQ sheet includes more details regarding the new program.
The subscription will include distribution of “one radio station across 200+ connected devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers to TuneIn’s U.S. audience of 30M+ listeners.” TuneIn On Air subscribers will also gain access to their “Amplifier” data platform for stats on listening and engagement for their station as well as one subscription to TuneIn’s Premium service. Nonprofit organizations and academic institutions may request free access to the service.
There will be no additional promotion of paid subscribers in TuneIn’s listings outside of stations appearing under “Recents” or “Favorites” for those who recently listened or bookmarked said station. Like any other stream on the platform, TuneIn will not provide hosting, music licensing, or multi-station discounts, while all On Air subscribers will be geo-fenced and only available to users in the United States.
Some TuneIn users have told us that they have received introductory offers offering the On Air service for the first year at a 50% “introductory discount”.
INSTANT INSIGHT: While many will be up in arms about this, it is nice to see TuneIn finally opening up its platform again. This program seems directly mostly towards internet broadcasters who run a professional operation and have financial backing to afford $1000 a year to be listed. While iHeartRadio and Audacy each have some in that definition on their platforms, neither company is open with how to get listed or what they require to be added. TuneIn is at least being very open in terms of that.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com