BMG

Sony BMG: Mariah Carey Is The Most Downloaded Holiday Ringtone

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 13, 2006 - 10:34am.

New York, NY - Sony BMG announced on Wednesday that Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is now the best-selling holiday ringtone ever, having become the first and only seasonal master recording ringtone to receive the RIAA's Gold certification for sales of 500,000 units. The song is currently No. 9 on the SoundScan Top 200 Hot Digital Tracks chart.

Universal Music Acquires BMG Music Publishing; Napster Litigation Settled

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 6, 2006 - 5:46pm.

Paris - Media conglomerate Vivendi's Universal Music Group major record label announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Germany's Bertelsmann, to acquire BMG Music Publishing for $2.1 billion. Bertelsmann's music publishing arm includes a catalog of over one million copyrights, for compositions from artists ranging from Coldplay and Justin Timberlake to Puccini and Ravel.

Buzz Watch: American Idol Kellie Pickler – Mindless Entertainment? Not necessarily.

Authored by Jay Baage on July 18, 2006 - 12:17pm.

On Monday Kellie Pickler became the fourth season-five finalist to sign a recording contract, signing a deal with Sony BMG's Nashville-based country label BNA Records and American Idol producer Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited.
Kellie joins Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry and winner Taylor Hicks on the 19 Recordings roster that is now getting bigger and bigger.

Now, will the TV ratings success continue to translate into album sales? Millions and millions have tuned in when American Idol aired on Fox and if just a little share of them buy the albums that these Idol contestants produce, they will become instant hits.

FreeHand to Sell Digital Sheet Music from BMG Music Publishing

Authored by dmw on May 23, 2006 - 7:06pm.

Los Altos, Calif. - FreeHand Systems, a distributor of digital sheet music, announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with BMG Music Publishing. Under the deal, Los Altos, Calif.-based FreeHand gains the rights to sell digital sheet music versions of songs published by BMG Music Publishing

Sony BMG Offers Cash, Free Downloads to Settle CD Copy-Protection Suits

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 3, 2006 - 8:16am.

Los Angeles - Major record label Sony BMG has proposed offering free music downloads to millions of consumers who joined class action lawsuits after purchasing CDs containing anti-piracy software that created security risks for their computers. The proposed settlement, filed in federal court in Manhattan, would provide up to 11 million consumers who purchased the faulty CDs with either $7.50 in cash and one free digital album from a list of 200, or else three free albums from the list. "The proposed settlement will provide significant benefits for consumers who bought the flawed CDs," said Cindy Cohn, legal director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which is representing some consumers. "Under the terms, those consumers will get what they thought they were buying -- music that will play on their computers without restriction or security risk. EFF is continuing discussions with Sony BMG, however, and believes that there is more they can do to protect music lovers in the future." Sony BMG was forced to recall millions of music CDs after it was discovered that the copy-protection technology they contained could allow malicious software to be installed on computers by third parties.

Texas Sues Sony BMG Under Spyware Law; Additional Security Risk Found

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 21, 2005 - 3:08am.

Austin - The Attorney General for the state of Texas has sued major record label Sony BMG under the state's spyware law, in connection with the release of millions of CDs containing technology that hid anti-piracy software that opened users' PCs to virus attacks. "Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers, said Attorney General Greg Abbott. "Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime." The state of Texas is seeking civil penalties of $100,000 per violation of the state's anti-spyware law. Meanwhile, another security risk related to the Sony BMG copy-protection technology has been identified, this time in connection with software from Arizona-based SunnComm Technologies. Computer researchers Ed Felten and Alex Halderman identified a security risk in the uninstall program for SunnComm's anti-piracy application, which the company said had been downloaded by just 223 consumers before it was removed from the Web. SunnComm's CD copy-protection software is different than the offending application from U.K.-based First 4 Internet at the heart of the controversy -- although SunnComm's software has likely been included on a greater number of releases, from both Sony BMG and other record labels.

Sony BMG Recalls "Rootkit" CDs; Software Fix May Also Cause Problems

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 15, 2005 - 6:41am.

Washington - Sony BMG has announced that it will recall millions of CDs that contained anti-piracy software that can damage PCs, and offered to exchange copies purchased by consumers, USA Today reported. Sony said that more than 4 million copies of 20 albums featuring the software were manufactured, 2.1 million of which have already been sold. Citing data from security researcher Dan Kaminsky, The Washington Post reports that the controversial "rootkit" anti-piracy technology -- which Microsoft yesterday dubbed malicious software and began efforts to remove from Windows PCs -- is installed on more than half a million computer networks in at least 165 countries. The Sony BMG software, developed by First 4 Internet to prevent users from making unauthorized song copies, hides itself deep within a PC's operating system. The rootkit used to hide the anti-piracy software can be also utilized by virus writers to hide their tracks; trying to remove the software can also permanently damage a PC's ability to play CDs. Meanwhile, the San Jose Mercury News reports that security researchers have found that the patch Sony BMG posted to remove the offensive software may actually cause more problems than the rootkit itself. "The consequences of the flaw are severe,'' Princeton computer science professor Ed Felten and graduate student J. Alex Halderman wrote in a blog posting. "It allows any Web page you visit to download, install and run any code it likes on your computer."

tags: Sony | Software | CD | BMG | Rootkit | Fix | Problems |

Sony BMG Halts Production of "Rootkit" CDs; Microsoft Offers Removal Tool

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 14, 2005 - 7:45am.

New York - Major record label Sony BMG has temporarily halted production of music CDs that include a controversial copy-protection tool that allowed hackers to hide malicious software on PCs and spied on which CDs users listened to. ''We stand by content protection technology as an important tool to protect our intellectual property rights and those of our artists," the label said in a note on its website. ''Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, Sony BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology." The "rootkit" technology in question, developed by U.K.-based First 4 Internet, hides software that prevents users from making unauthorized copies of CDs deep within a PC's operating system, with the unintended effect of enabling virus writers to piggyback their malicious software on the rootkit. Several antivirus firms provided updates that identify or remove the rootkit last week, and now Microsoft has determined that the software is a security risk as well, and will remove the rootkit through an update offered to Windows PC users. Sony has not said whether it will recall CDs containing the rootkit that have already shipped, or provide refunds for those already purchased by consumers. The company also faces a class action lawsuit from consumers with affected computers.

Sony BMG CD Copy-Protection Would Limit CD Burning

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 31, 2005 - 5:27am.

New York -- Major record label Sony BMG is experimenting with CD copy-protection technology that would prevent consumers from making multiple copies of CDs they purchase, Billboard reported. "Two-thirds of all piracy comes from ripping and burning CDs, which is why making the CD a secure format is of the utmost importance," Thomas Hesse, president of global digital business for Sony BMG, told Billboard. U.K.-based First4Internet developed the "sterile burning" technology, which has now been embedded on more than 1 million commercially sold discs since March. The technology limits the number of burned copies a consumer may make of a purchased CD, and includes technology that prevents one from making copies of those copies. "Most consumers accept that making a copy for personal use is really what they want it for," First4Internet CEO Mathew Gilliat-Smith told Billboard. "The industry is keen to make sure that is not abused by making copies for other people that would otherwise go buy a CD."

tags: Sony | CD | BMG | Copy-Protection |

Bertelsmann's BMG Direct Acquires The Columbia House Company

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 10, 2005 - 9:49am.

New York -- German media conglomerate Bertelsmann announced on Tuesday that its BMG Direct unit, which sells CDs through mail order catalogs and online, has acquired Columbia House, the DVD and CD retail club that counts 8 million members. The Wall Street Journal reported that BMG Direct paid $400 million to The Blackstone Group for Columbia House, citing people familiar with the deal. BMG Direct is the largest direct to consumer retailer of recorded music in the U.S., while Columbia House is the largest specialized retailer of DVDs. "We are bringing together two of the [country's] most respected and knowledgeable direct marketing media companies. The combined BMG Direct and Columbia House entity will offer a broader selection of products to a larger customer base, while at the same time creating cost efficiencies," said Ewald Walgenbach, CEO of DirectGroup Bertelsmann.

tags: Bertelsmann | BMG | The Columbia House |

Sony BMG to Increase Number of Copy-Protected CD Releases in 2005

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 28, 2005 - 3:51am.

New York -- Major label Sony BMG plans to increase the number of albums it releases with added copy-protection technology from SunnComm and First4Internet, with "a substantial number" of its releases to contain such technology by year's end, Billboard reported. BMG included SunnComm's antipiracy technology on a Velvet Revolver album that last year hit the top spot on Billboard's sales chart. The merged Sony BMG recently released a copy-protected album by the Chieftains, and plans to release additional copy-protected titles from Kasabian (March 8) and Susie Suh (March 29). One issue for consumers is the limited number of copies that may be made of copy-protected CDs. "We haven't set on what the number of copies should be, other than there should be a limited number; it shouldn't be infinite," Sony BMG sales enterprise co-president Jordan Katz told Billboard. "Our research shows that the consumer thinks that's fair. So you are seeing Sony BMG taking a leadership role in this area, with increasing traction throughout the year in terms of a number of (our) releases."

Grokster Launches P2P Radio, Enters Talks With Sony BMG

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 16, 2004 - 5:16am.

Los Angeles -- Grokster, a provider of peer-to-peer file-sharing software, announced on Tuesday that it will offer a peer-to-peer streaming radio application in partnership with Mercora. The technology allows file-swappers on Grokster to stream tracks from other users' collections, as well as broadcast their own files to other users in a Digital Millennium Copyright Act-compliant manner. The near CD-quality radio service will include 10 million user-contributed tracks, in addition to Grokster-programmed stations featuring independent artists. Los Angeles-based Grokster is also in early talks with major record label Sony BMG to create a legal music service, according to a Reuters report. "I'm not negotiating myself, as Sony BMG chairman, but I know that some staff members are at the very beginning of talks with Grokster," Sony BMG chairman Rolf Schmidt-Holtz told Reuters. "We are noticing that there is huge demand for services like that, and our intention is to transfer this demand into legal channels. Only then it would make sense for us." Schmidt-Holtz, who oversaw BMG's merger with Sony earlier this year, added that he knew of only one meeting so far between the two companies, and was not sure which side initiated the negotiations.

FTC Gives Antitrust Approval to Sony BMG Record Label Merger

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on July 29, 2004 - 4:14am.

Washington -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has concluded its antitrust investigation into the proposed merger of two of the world's five major record labels -- Sony Music and BMG -- and given the merger the green-light. The FTC also worked with the European Commission on that regulatory body's antitrust investigation into the merger; the EC granted its approval of the deal last week. The merger of Sony's and Bertelsmann's music businesses will create a joint venture, Sony BMG, which will become the world's second-largest record company, behind Universal. Opponents argued further consolidation in the music industry, which in the past two decades has seen a multitude of formerly independent labels swallowed by what will now be the "big four," would harm artists in the long run. "We now look forward to creating a global recorded music company comprising many of the world's most successful artists as well as a vast catalog of recordings," BMG said in a statement.

BMG Licenses Songs to Wippit P2P Digital Music Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 16, 2004 - 5:20am.

London -- Wippit, provider of a U.K.-based legal, peer-to-peer file-sharing service, announced that it has signed an agreement with major record label BMG, which will license 10,000 tracks from its catalog to be made available to Wippit subscribers. However, Wippit said BMG songs will be available only to U.K. and Ireland subscribers from a central BMG server -- and will not be able to be shared on the peer-to-peer network. Wippit also has a deal in place with fellow major label EMI and some 200 independent record labels. The service charges a $54 annual fee that lets users trade songs freely as well as burn them to CD and transfer them to portable devices on a limited level.

tags: P2P | BMG | Musics | Digital Music |

BMG North America Consolidates U.S. Labels, Names Clive Davis CEO

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 3, 2004 - 1:54am.

New York -- Major record label BMG, a unit of German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, announced that it has named Arista Records founder Clive Davis as chairman and CEO of BMG North America. Davis previously served as chairman and CEO of RCA Music Group, which was created when the other label Davis founded, J Records, merged with RCA Records in 2002. BMG North America will combine many of the company's label operations -- including those of Arista, J, RCA, and Jive -- allowing administrative operations and certain support functions at the record labels to be consolidated. BMG chairman and CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz said that the hiring of Davis and consolidation of operations "improves our ability to compete in today's marketplace and will help us address future challenges. BMG has achieved great artistic and commercial success, but the continuing difficulties in the worldwide music market requires us to be well prepared for the future. The new structure will efficiently strengthen our focus on our creative centers."

tags: North America | BMG | CEO | U.S | Clive Davis |

Senate Antitrust Committee to Review Merger of Sony Music, BMG

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 11, 2003 - 7:56am.

Washington -- The U.S. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee has announced that it plans to review the recently announced merger proposal between Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group, which would reduce the number of major record labels in the world from five to four. The hearing was announced by committee chair Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and ranking Democrat Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.). "The deal between Sony and Bertelsmann to combine their music businesses represents even further consolidation in an industry in which only five major firms compete," the senators said in a statement. "While we recognize that the music industry currently faces numerous problems, greater consolidation may not be the answer to those problems." Time Warner is also reportedly in talks to sell its record label business to fellow major EMI, which would further consolidate the shrinking global music business.

tags: BMG | Antitrust | Senate | Sony Music |

Warner, BMG Test Security for Mobile Song Downloads, Mobile P2P

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 14, 2003 - 4:26am.

Geneva -- A Norwegian firm has developed mobile music digital rights management (DRM) technology that major record labels Warner Music and BMG have utilized to launch a service that lets users download songs to their phones and share them with others. Oslo-based Beep Science's OMA (object management architecture) DRM will be used to protect content including songs from Warner's Dannii Minogue and BMG's Kemopetrol. The service, which will offer content including songs, images, video clips and other MMS content, will be available to subscribers of 50 wireless carriers on the Netsize premium messaging network. The first phone compatible with Beep Science's OMA DRM is the Nokia 6220.

Student Claims Holding "Shift" Key Can Break BMG CD Copy-Protection

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 7, 2003 - 5:01am.

Los Angeles -- A Princeton grad student has discovered a method -- which consists of simply holding down a PC's "Shift" key when inserting a CD -- that he claims breaks the CD copy-protection technology recently used on a commercial CD released by major label BMG, Reuters reported. Princeton's John Halderman wrote on his website that, in addition to depressing the "Shift" key, Arizona-based SunnComm Technologies' MediaMax CD3 software may also be defeated by disabling the driver the CD installs when it is first inserted into a PC. The technology is intended to prevent users from ripping the encrypted tracks on an album to a PC, enabling their upload to file-sharing systems or mass copying via a CD burner. "SunnComm's claims of robust protection collapse, when subjected to scrutiny, and their system's weaknesses are not only academic," Halderman wrote on his website. BMG spokesman Nathaniel Brown told Reuters the company was "fully aware" of the Shift key circumvention, but said the company "erred on the side of playability and flexibility" with its choice of copy-protection technology.

BMG to Release First Copy-Protected CD Into U.S. Consumer Market

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 12, 2003 - 7:01am.

New York -- Major record label BMG announced on Friday plans to release its first copy-protected CD into the U.S. consumer market. Previously, the label had only used copy-protection on promotional CDs in the U.S. BMG is using Arizona-based SunnComm's MediaMax CD-3 Technology for the Sept. 23 release of Arista Records artist Anthony Hamilton's album, "Comin' From Where I'm From." The technology will allow tracks from the CD to be "ripped" onto a PC; from there, the songs may be burned three times to CD-R, and transferred to "secure" portable digital music players. BMG said that the CD "will be appropriately labeled to inform consumers of the technology and the range of uses that can be made of the product."

tags: CD | BMG | U.S | Copy-Protected |