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Majority of Audiobook Listeners Say They Will Only Use Spotify If Authors Get Paid Fairly

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New U.S. poll from Edison Research finds significant consumer concern around audiobook streaming offerings as well as negative impact on U.S. book sales

NEW YORK, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Coalition of Concerned Creators today announced results from a new U.S. audiobook consumer poll conducted by Edison Research, the leading digital audio research firm.

According to the results, audiobook consumers aren’t necessarily familiar with compensation models but are keenly aware that authors have little control over their royalties. When asked who was to blame for authors not being paid fairly for audiobooks, half of all audiobook consumers said the listening services, 40% said the publishers, and the remainder blamed either the authors or consumers.

Additionally, streaming offerings like Spotify are negatively impacting book sales. Among audiobook listeners who use Spotify for audiobooks, 42.3% say they have purchased fewer audiobooks overall since they began listening on Spotify. 

When asked about author compensation, 50% of audiobook listeners initially agreed they “will only listen to audiobooks through streaming audio services, such as Spotify or Apple Music, if you know authors are paid fairly for their work.” However, after hearing about concerns over audiobook compensation from streamers like Spotify – those percentages rose even further:

56% of audiobook listeners say authors are being paid “not fairly at all” for audiobooks on these platforms;48.8% of audiobook listeners said these concerns made their opinion of streaming audio services like Spotify less favorable; and51.5% said they will only listen to streaming audio services like Spotify if they know authors are paid fairly for their work.

“Halfway through the survey, respondents were introduced to concerns regarding audiobook compensation. Respondents were told that there were recent claims of streaming audio services not being transparent and consistent in how they pay authors for audiobooks, with some publishers being paid on a per-audiobook basis, while other, smaller publishers and self-published authors being paid based on how much time consumers spend listening. These claims were pulled from sources including extensive media reports on this issue as well as public statements issued by professional author organizations, including the Author’s Guild and The Society of Authors,” said a spokesperson from Edison Research.

The Coalition of Concerned Creators said: “From our work, it continues to be abundantly clear that streaming services like Spotify deprioritize creator compensation in pursuit of corporate development and profit. However, we commissioned this survey to better understand where consumers stand and what behavior they expect of companies they financially support. Authors deserved to be compensated appropriately, and now it’s clear that there is a business case for it too.”

Additional Findings From The Survey: 

Consumers are concerned about the possibility of ads in books. 57.7% of audiobook listeners say that advertisements and messages within audiobooks would be “disruptive” or “very disruptive”.Consumers believe upticks in fees or subscription charges should go toward paying authors. 69.3% agreed that if a streaming audio service charges additional fees to listen to audiobooks, those fees should go towards paying the author.Publishers are taking the majority share of the compensation pie, which concerns consumers. Large publishers are perceived by consumers to make out the best in the audiobook industry, with 69% of audiobook consumers saying that large publishers are paid “very” or “somewhat” fairly for audiobooks.

“The poll confirmed that audiobook consumers find concerns over author compensation by audio streamers meaningful in their consumption decisions. After hearing about these concerns, the percentage of audiobook consumers who said authors were paid ‘not fairly at all’ nearly doubled,” said a spokesperson from Edison Research.

How The Consumer Poll Was Conducted
Edison Research conducted an online survey of 1,035 adults aged 18+ who listened to an audiobook in the last year. The study ran from April 26 to May 10, 2024, and the data was weighted to reflect the sex, age, ethnicity, and geography of the audiobook listener market established by Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2024 report.

About the Coalition of Concerned Creators 
The Coalition of Concerned Creators is a consortium of writers, musicians, literary agents, and creators concerned about audiobook streaming offerings on author royalties, the way books are written, and the literary industry more broadly. The organization is currently focused on author advocacy efforts and fair compensation as it relates to Spotify’s new audiobook offering.

About Edison Research
Edison Research conducts survey research and provides strategic information in over 50 countries for clients, including AMC Theatres, Amazon, Apple, The Brookings Institute, Facebook, The Gates Foundation, Google, the U.S. International Broadcasting Bureau, Oracle, Pandora, The Pew Research Center, Samsung, Spotify, and SiriusXM Radio. The national tracking study The Infinite Dial® and the syndicated Share of Ear® are two of their most widely cited studies in the audio space. Edison is also the leading podcast research company in the world and has conducted research for NPR, Slate, ESPN, PodcastOne, WNYC Studios, and many more companies in the podcasting space.

Press Contact: concernedcreators@gmail.com

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SOURCE Coalition of Concerned Creators

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Chemours Announces Dates for Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Release and Webcast Conference Call

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October 21, 2026

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WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chemours Company (“Chemours” or “the Company”) (NYSE: CC) today announced that the Company expects to issue its third quarter 2026 financial results after market on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The Company expects to hold its conference call to discuss its third quarter 2026 financial results at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The call is open to the public and can be accessed via the webcast information below. The webcast and materials can be accessed by visiting the “Events and Presentations” section of the Investor Relations section of Chemours’ website at investors.chemours.com.

Conference Call: Please visit investors.chemours.com for a link to the live webcast and to view the accompanying slides.

Replay: A webcast replay will be available at investors.chemours.com.

About The Chemours Company
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses – Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 5,700 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,400 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

CONTACTS:

INVESTORS
Brandon Ontjes
Vice President, Head of Strategy & Investor Relations
+1.302.773.3300 
investor@chemours.com 

NEWS MEDIA
Cassie Olszewski
Media Relations & Reputation Leader
+1.302.219.7140
media@chemours.com  

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SOURCE The Chemours Company

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AGEDB Announces Preliminary Technical Evaluation of Graph Database and AI Data Platform Opportunities

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October 21, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — AGEDB Technology Ltd. (TSXV: AGET) (“AGEDB” or the “Company”) announces that it is evaluating opportunities to re-engage in its historical graph database business area through preliminary architectural design and technical assessment of potential AI data platform applications, following its entry, on September 16, 2026, into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with a Korea-listed company exploring opportunities to enter the AI sector (the “Korean Company”).

The Company previously disclosed that it had discontinued its graph database management system operations during the year ended April 30, 2025 and was seeking new business opportunities. The Company is now assessing potential opportunities to leverage its existing Apache AGE-related technology and experience. These preliminary evaluations should not be interpreted as a resumption of full-scale development or commercial operations.

Under the MOU, AGEDB and the Korean Company contemplate evaluating an integrated package combining locally installed PostgreSQL and Apache AGE relationship-analysis database technology with an AI agent. The MOU also contemplates a separate “Personal AI Operating System” evaluation track, referred to as “AGE Brain,” for potential use in user-controlled computing environments. The proposed applications remain conceptual and subject to further technical and commercial assessment.

The contemplated preliminary work includes architectural design and technical evaluation of approaches to connecting relational data with graph-based relationships and supporting AI-assisted information retrieval and analysis. The parties may consider proof-of-concept testing and pilot activities, but no timeline or commitment to undertake such activities has been established under the MOU.

The MOU has a one-year term. Except for provisions expressly identified as binding, it is non-binding and does not require either party to complete development, launch or commercialize a product, make an investment, commit personnel, pay development fees, or enter into a definitive commercial agreement. Specific project scope, deliverables, schedules, responsibilities, costs and any commercialization terms remain subject to further discussions and, where applicable, separate written agreements. Each party will bear its own evaluation costs unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The Company’s evaluation remains preliminary. No product launch, commercial revenue or definitive commercialization arrangement has been agreed, and there can be no assurance that the parties will proceed with development, that the proposed platform will be completed or commercialized, or that the Company will obtain the resources required to advance the opportunity.

AGEDB may also explore potential collaborations with AI development companies in Korea and other markets, subject to available resources and further assessment.

AGEDB Technology Ltd.

On behalf of the board of directors,

“Jungsoo Kim”
CEO

About AGEDB Technology Ltd.

AGEDB Technology Ltd. is a technology company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “AGET.” The Company is focused on developing and pursuing opportunities in data intelligence, graph database technology and applied artificial intelligence.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information, including statements regarding the Company’s development activities, the proposed AI data platform, potential proof-of-concept and pilot activities, and possible future collaborations and commercialization. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The memorandum of understanding is generally non-binding, and there can be no assurance that the parties will proceed with or complete any development, pilot, product launch or commercial arrangement, or that AGEDB will enter into additional collaborations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. AGEDB undertakes no obligation to update such information except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE AGEDB Technology Ltd.

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Bose Corporation Acquires Skullcandy, Expanding Its Consumer Audio Portfolio to Reach New Audiences

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October 21, 2026

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Acquisition follows a successful partnership between the two companies and advances Bose’s evolution into a multi-brand products and technology company

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and PARK CITY, Utah, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bose Corporation, a global leader in audio innovation and research, announced today it has acquired Skullcandy, a lifestyle audio brand known for its bold products that bring together sound, style and performance. Bose and Skullcandy have each spent decades finding new ways to bring people closer to the music they love. Together, they’ll combine Bose’s audio expertise, technology and global reach with Skullcandy’s design, understanding of its consumers and authentic community connections to create new products and experiences and accelerate growth.

The acquisition follows a multi-year partnership that has already brought Sound by Bose technology to Skullcandy earbuds and headphones. The companies have seen firsthand how their strengths can come together to create products consumers love while staying true to what makes Skullcandy special, providing a foundation to accelerate further collaboration and innovation.

With a strong position at the intersection of audio, lifestyle and culture, Skullcandy will remain a separate brand within Bose’s Premium Consumer Audio business. Skullcandy’s deep roots in boardsports, including longstanding relationships with passionate supporters of the culture and its athletes, and authentic connections across music, gaming, fitness and other communities present new ways for Bose to meaningfully connect with consumers where it has less presence today.

“For more than 60 years, Bose has been committed to delivering incredible audio experiences however and wherever people choose to listen. As we work to reach even more people, we’re expanding how we do that, not only through Bose products, but through technology partnerships and a growing portfolio of brands,” said Lila Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of Bose Corporation. “As a privately held company, we have the freedom to make bold, long-term investments in opportunities we believe in, and Skullcandy is a great example of that. They have an established, thriving brand, and together we see tremendous opportunity to create new products and experiences and reach more consumers around the world.”

“We believe this is a win for Skullcandy and our fans,” said Brian Garofalow, Chief Executive Officer of Skullcandy. “Skullcandy was born on a chairlift in Park City, Utah, over 20 years ago, and we’ve always believed great music should be part of the experiences people love. Joining Bose gives us the opportunity to make those experiences even better by bringing more of their audio expertise and technology to our products, and it opens up even more ways to take Skullcandy further.”

Bose plans to invest in Skullcandy’s continued growth, providing greater access to technology, resources, global distribution and commercial relationships while giving the brand the freedom to continue evolving in ways that are authentic to its identity and consumers. Skullcandy will continue to be based in Park City, Utah.

Bose acquired Skullcandy from a fund managed by Mill Road Capital Management LLC, a Connecticut-based private investment firm. Jones Day acted as Bose’s legal counsel. Additional information, including financial and other terms of the transaction, will remain confidential.

About Bose Corporation
Bose Corporation is a global leader in audio innovation, driven by a singular belief: sound has the power to transform the way people connect with the world. For more than 60 years, Bose has combined pioneering research, engineering excellence, and a deep understanding of human perception to create products and technologies that deliver extraordinary experiences. Through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Bose, McIntosh, Sonus faber, and Skullcandy, the company offers premium and luxury audio solutions for the home, on the go, and in the car. Bose also collaborates with leading companies across industries, extending its audio expertise and technologies into new products, platforms, and applications beyond its own brands. 

Guided by a relentless spirit of innovation and a passion for what sound makes possible, Bose continues to advance the science and art of sound while expanding its impact on everyday life. From music and entertainment to communication, wellness, and emerging applications, Bose is creating new ways for people around the world to feel more connected, inspired, and engaged through the power of sound.

About Skullcandy
Founded in 2003 on a chairlift in Park City, Utah, Skullcandy is the original lifestyle audio brand. With deep roots in action sports culture, Skullcandy creates headphones, earbuds, and speakers that deliver powerful sound, bold style, and immersive experiences. Designed to move with you—from the mountains to the streets—Skullcandy gear is built to perform and made to stand out. Learn more at www.Skullcandy.com.

Contact

Joanne Berthaume
Joanne_berthaume@bose.com

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SOURCE Bose Corporation

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