Apple Hiring More Music Journalists and “A Sea Of Freelancers”

Last week we learned that Apple had hired top rated BBC One Radio DJ Zane Lowe for some kind of music curation post at a retooled iTunes. Now comes word that Apple is hiring more music journalists.

In a help wanted ad first spotted by Music Ally, Apple is looking for a music "Editorial Producer" with a "specific expertise in music journalism… duties (include a) focus on writing, editing, managing a sea of freelancers." Apple is also hoping to hire an "experienced social media expert" to join Beats By Dre.

More from the ad:

iTunes is looking for an editorial producer with experience across pop culture and a specific expertise in music journalism. This full-time position is split between editorial and producing duties. The editorial duties focus on writing, editing, managing a sea of freelancers, and working collaboratively with business and content heads to shape and define editorially driven merchandising promotions. As far as producing, this role will also focus on special projects and promotions, making sure all parties understand the timelines and deliverables associated with getting these pages live, and making sure we execute flawlessly and on time.Key qualifications include:

Seasoned writer with broad pop culture background.
Deep contacts in the freelance world with writers who can cover the spectrum of pop culture (music, movies, books, etc.).
Experience managing and motivating a stable of freelance writers.

Are Music Streamers The New Rolling Stone?

Spotify and other music streaming sites have also added to their content teams in recent months, as they come to the realization that data alone is not enough to help consumers shift through the thousands of tracks released weekly to find the new music they might care about.

Curation also offer another potential win for music streamers. Switching music services may be less attractive if you also have to leave your trusted gatekeepers behind. And some, like Lowe, may offer star power that attracts and keeps users, much like Howard Stern did for SiriusXM.

The announcement also offer hope for the "sea" of music journalists who have been let go over the last couple of years as music publication after publication has cut back or shut down entirely.