NAB Pounces On Doobie Brothers Lawsuit…
Unfortunately, major labels are notorious for screwing artists, and that is sullying the battle for broadcast royalties on recordings. Just recently, the beleaguered EMI was sued by the Doobie Brothers, and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) was all-too-happy to trumpet the news. “The lawsuit is the latest in a long line of litigation against record labels for unpaid royalties [...]
Virgin Media Licensing Woes Extend Beyond the Majors…
What is really stymieing Virgin Media’s subscription play in the UK? The unlimited MP3 offering first bubbled last June, thanks to a successful deal with Universal Music Group. But broader major label licensing has proven difficult for the ISP-based subscription concept, especially given the totally unlimited and unprotected proposition.
Doobie Brothers Serve Latest Suit Against EMI…
And the latest legal action against EMI? The Doobie Brothers are now suing EMI Music North America over non-payment of royalties, according to reports out of London and Nashville Monday morning.
Stateside Spotify: Coming Q3, Or Something Like That…
BusinessWeek just reported that Spotify is expecting a US-based launch during the third quarter. But that is not quite accurate, according to the company, which is now more loosely pointing to a ‘later this year’ arrival. The more vague timetable comes from communications executive Jim Butcher, who clarified (or fogged) the matter with Music Ally.
Idol on the Block: Investors Singing Latest Tune…
American Idol majority owner CKX is close to getting purchased by an investment consortium, according to information confirmed by the company. “In response to market rumors, CKX confirmed today [Monday] that it is engaged in discussions regarding a possible transaction involving the sale of the company,” CKX stated.
Q1 Market Share Figures Offer a Few Surprises…
EMI Music has been trumpeting improved market share figures in 2010, thanks largely to a successful Lady Antebellum release. That is now supported by stats from both Hits Magazine and Nielsen Soundscan, both of whom are showing the improved percentages. Hits is showing an 11.8 percent year-to-date share for EMI (up from 8.7 percent at the same point in 2009); [...]
Please Pay $1.87 Million: Front Line Sues Axl Rose…
Axl Rose is now getting sued by Front Line Management for a lofty $1.87 million, according to details surfacing Friday morning. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, was prompted by unpaid commissions.
Same Ol’ Song at the Orchard: More Revs, More Losses…
The Orchard bumped revenues during the recent quarter, but losses continued, a familiar financial pattern for the company. During the fourth quarter of 2009, revenues upped 3 percent to $16.7 million, from $16.2 million previously.
Not All Bad: EMI Scores a Few Chart-Toppers…
EMI Music and its owner, Terra Firma, are battling an overwhelming swarm of problems. Lingering defaults, exiting bands, nervous partners, and near-term takeover possibilities are hardly the elements of productive stability. But positives still exist, and the more stable EMI Music Publishing offers the easiest example.