Warner Out For EMI Purchase

Billboard has reported that Warner Music Group has pulled out of the negotiations for EMI.

Citigroup have allegedly renewed negotiations with Universal and Sony whilst Independent label association IMPALA filled protests about the sale with the European Commission over concerns in regards to a possible duopoly in Europe.

According to their November 8th, 2011 press release, IMPALA had preferred a sale to Warner Music Group, which they believed “could help balance the duopoly but would still need substantial remedies as it would increase the competitive gap for the independents“.

November 10th, 2011 Comments Off on Warner Out For EMI Purchase Consumer Information, International, Music Industry Rob McIntyre

Gartner Predicts Higher Online Music Sales

Gartner Research predicts that with the decline of the physical format (like the compact disc) that subscription services and music downloads will flourish.

In a press release issued yesterday the Connecticut based information technology research company estimated that online music sales would reach $6.8 Billion worldwide in 2012 and $7.7 Billion Worldwide by 2015.

The company also predicts a decline in compact disc sales from $15 Billion last year to $10 Billion in 2015.

November 9th, 2011 Comments Off on Gartner Predicts Higher Online Music Sales Consumer Information, Music Industry, Music Technology Rob McIntyre

Canadian e-Book Company Sold

The Canadian makers of the Kobo wireless eReader have been sold to Japanese company Rakuten for $315-Million according to Business Wire.

The company’s headquarters will remain in Toronto according to the press release.

November 8th, 2011 Comments Off on Canadian e-Book Company Sold Consumer Information, Random Bump Rob McIntyre

Best Buy Wants Lower CD Prices

Billboard reports that Best Buy wants to reduce their CD prices to $9.99 in the states this holiday season but the labels are fighting the $7.25 wholesale price.

Best Buy had reduced the space dedicated to CDs and DVDs in their stores in Canada and the United States.

November 5th, 2011 Comments Off on Best Buy Wants Lower CD Prices Consumer Information, Music Technology Rob McIntyre

Astral To Launch Online Service In December

Astral Radio will be launching a online music service in December, which will be followed by a mobile compatible service in January.

The bilingual on demand streaming music and music video service will feature major and independent recordings and will be compatible with the major social media sites.

Additional information on this service can be found on this press release.

October 30th, 2011 Comments Off on Astral To Launch Online Service In December Canadian Law, Consumer Information, Music Industry, Music Technology Rob McIntyre

Interesting British Report

A British firm has published an interesting report in which many Internet provider provider myths are dispelled.

Plum Consulting has found that many of the claims used to justify internet access fees are exaggerated, echoing numerous other reports that came to the same conclusions.

In regards to Canada, OpenMedia.ca has discussed the issue with several Members of Parliament in the hopes something can be done to keep the internet open and affordable. A copy of their report is available for Canadians to send to their local MP.

October 26th, 2011 Comments Off on Interesting British Report Consumer Information, Music Technology Rob McIntyre