iTunes Radio Closing - Apple Directing Listeners to Beats 1
iTunes Radio Closing - Apple are absorbing the ad-supported iTunes Radio with it's paid Apple Music streaming service 28th January 2016.
Apple will be absorbing the ad-supported iTunes Radio with the paid Apple Music streaming service on 28th January 2016.
Having launched iTunes Radio in September 2013, Apple have decided to cut the service short and focus on Apple Music and Beats 1 as mentioned in the email sent out to customers:
As a listener of ad-supported radio on Apple Music, we want you to know it's being discontinued starting January 28. Beats 1 will now be the premier free broadcast so you'll continue to get all the best music and culture there with world-class DJs like Zane Lowe and specialty programming from artists like Dr. Dre, Drake, Pharrell Williams, and more.
Beats 1 radio will be the only free listening option available for those that do not want to subscribe to Apple and it seems that iTunes match users will be losing their ad-free version of iTunes Radio, meaning listeners that enjoy ad-free streaming music are being pushed to the paid $9.99 Apple Music membership due to iTunes Radio closing.
What does this mean for broadcasters wanting to submit their station to iTunes Radio? It isn't clear if newly submitted radio stations will be listed within Apple Music or old stations will be carried over, however with so many Radio Directories available it's easy to find an alternative if you're looking to get your internet radio station out there.