Blog: independent

Read our latest daily deep dives, hot takes, and exciting updates about the entertainment world. Check out the latest insight from your favourite analyst, or search by coverage areas - music, entertainment and fandom, creator economy and social.

Gender inequality in music mirrors the challenges of streaming… as do its opportunities for change

Hanna Kahlert

20 Mar 2024

women in music

be the change

Streaming

It has never been easier to become a music artist, but it has never been harder to turn that into a long-term career. A hyper-saturated content environment means record levels of competition and decreasing...

min read

How AI narration could transform Apple Books’ creator economy

Annie Langston

11 Jan 2023

Audiobooks

artificial intelligence

Apple

It is a new year for the audio world and Apple is attempting to expand audiobook creation. Apple Books launched its “digital narration” feature which allows authors to publish audiobook versions of...

min read

Podcasts are creating a new era of news

Annie Langston

28 Jul 2022

Podcasts

News

listeners

Podcasts are becoming a brand extension for every level of public figure, even those who have been shut out or disgraced elsewhere. After being fired from their network positions for allegedly violating...

min read

Quick take: What the Apple event’s creator focus means for lean-in entertainment

Hanna Kahlert

21 Oct 2021

creator tools

apple event

mainstream

The October 18th Apple event –for all its usual showmanship – did not have anything hugely innovative to unveil. New colours of the Apple HomePod, a new tier of AirPods, and the return of MagSafe charging,...

min read