Major labels want to end Spotify’s unlimited free streaming
Streaming music has a new set of growing pains on its hands as the industry tries to find a sustainable equilibrium between the rights holders and Spotify. Revenue streams for many labels have dramatically shrunk since music entered the digital age and streaming profits -- although substantial -- are far inferior to what physical sales generated were the past. The same company's that supported streaming music in its infancy, including Universal Music Group, are now beginning to question the "freemium" model.
Spotify cancels Russian launch
Since 2014, Spotify has expanded its operation around the globe to countries like Brazil, the Philippines, and most recently, Canada. However, one of the company's development plans has recently been scrapped. The Swedish streaming service pulled the plug on plans to expand into Russia, citing the country's political and economic situation, as well as pending legislation about regulating the internet, as the reasons for abandoning their plans.