Amazon Recruits Comedians, Engineers for Expanding Audio Service

Amazon.com Inc. is ramping up its investment in podcasts and other radio-style shows to expand the types of programming it offers via Audible, the audio book company it acquired in 2008.Audible has recruited well-known comedians, along with radio and podcast producers for the initiative, and job postings suggest a significant global push. Maria Bamford and Jonathan Katz are taping episodes of "Bedtime Stories," a show in which comedians rewrite fairy tales, according to their manager Bruce Smith.Entertainment plays a crucial role in Amazon's effort to push beyond its core business of selling books, laundry detergent and televisions online. The Seattle-based company's original films and TV shows have won critical acclaim and helped increase the appeal of its $99-a-year Prime service, which includes delivery discounts along with video and music streaming. Audible has more than 250,000 audio programs including books and plays, with downloads available for iPhones, Androids and other smartphone systems. Continue reading at AdAge.com Continue reading at 'Advertising Age'

[ Advertising Age | 2016-01-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-12-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon wins an ebook fight in Europe

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[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-12-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon wins EU ebook pricing battle with Apple and major book publishers

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[ Engadget | 2012-12-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Engadget | 2012-12-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Blake Friedmann expands, appoints Brice

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[ The Bookseller | 2012-12-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon Kindle bookstore reaches Canada, cuts Americans (partly) out of the loop

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[ Engadget | 2012-12-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon’s Plan: “Sell Millions of Kindles in Brazil,” says Naggar

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2012-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2012-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon publishes vague numbers surrounding Appstore performance, but they're sure looking good

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[ Engadget | 2012-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon's price-beating reputation 'not true', claims study

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[ The Bookseller | 2012-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon bringing Voice Guide and Explore by Touch features to Kindle Fires for vision-impaired users

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[ Engadget | 2012-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Engadget | 2012-12-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Engadget | 2012-12-05 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The Audio Book Club on NW

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[ Slate | 2012-11-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2012-11-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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