Rdio goes free after deal with Cumulus Media

In order to stay competitive with other popular music streaming services, Rdio has come to a deal with Cumulus Media in order to offer a free version of its service by the end of the year. According to the New York Times, Cumulus Media operates 525 radio stations, which means Rdio will have access to a huge selection of ad-supported music. This deal with Rdio represents its “digital play,” says Cumulus CEO Lewis W. Dickey Jr. There was no money involved in the deal; instead Cumulus is gaining a large share of the equity of Rdio’s parent company, Pulser Media. Cumulus will also be selling ads for the free version of Rdio’s service. There’s no telling whether or not this will be enough to topple Spotify, but it’s a move in the right direction for Rdio.