When big media corporations can’t reach agreements on their business arrangements, with the result that popular channels go blank on cable television systems, cutting off millions of subscribers, what’s to be done?
The remedy may or may …
‘Entertainment’ Archive
Oscar bump or bust?
by Lee Simmons, March 10, 2010, 2:38 pmLast Sunday’s Oscar wins for best soundtrack (Michael Giaccino for Up) and best song (T-Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham for “The Weary Kind”) got me wondering if either of these albums experienced a post-Oscar …
Spotify Targets US
by Lee Simmons, March 8, 2010, 11:10 amiTunes’ biggest competitive threat, besides piracy, may be stepping on domestic shores within the month. Spotify, the UK-based music streaming service that has been a hit in Europe, is readying its US debut and …
Nickelback vs. a pickle
by Lee Simmons, February 25, 2010, 11:11 amIf anyone out there still doubts the power of social networking, look no further than a pickle. Last week, a pickle earned more fans (nearly 1.5 million at last count) on its Facebook page …
RealNetworks dumps Rhapsody (they’re still friends)
by Lee Simmons, February 10, 2010, 3:08 pmIn the new era of digital music consolidation, RealNetworks’ decision to spin off Rhapsody is a RealPuzzler.
RealNetworks announced this week it would transform its Rhapsody subscription music service into a standalone firm …
Will he stay (or will he go)?
by Lee Simmons, February 8, 2010, 2:03 pmHow did it come to be that an entire industry must depend on Howard Stern? When that industry essentially consists of one company — Sirius XM. Now, the same company that placed a $500 million bet that the …
Flexing their muscles
by Patrice Sarath, February 4, 2010, 4:12 pmIn this corner: the mighty Amazon, a veritable media river, selling you everything from books to milk, socks to newspapers! One hundred percent pure American can-do and know-how!
The contender: Macmillan the villain! British publishing magnate …
Live Nation, Ticketmaster seal the deal
by Lee Simmons, January 27, 2010, 2:39 pmAs expected, the controversial tie-up between Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promoter, and Ticketmaster, the largest ticket agency, won regulatory approval from the Justice Department earlier this week. And no sooner had Justice …
Department of Downer News: 2009 music industry recap
by Lee Simmons, January 25, 2010, 3:18 pmThe New York Times’ recent rundown of the 2009 music industry features a slew of details regarding international music sales. (Hat tip to my colleague Jeff Dorsch for the tip!)
In summary, worldwide music sales …
