INDIE NEWS BEAT
March 15, 2004 Edition
* Measuring Media Concentration and Its Consequences
* Experience That Will Last Music Industry Changes
* L.A.A.W.W. Seeks Volunteers To Help "Clean Up" Music Biz
* Vinny and Ray's Awarded IMAs Best Latin Song for 2004
* P2P Trade Association Challenge "Big Five"
* Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay
* Push Records Moves To Information-driven Marketing

Measuring Media Concentration and Its Consequences: Is There a "Fair and Balanced" Approach?

Despite an extensive debate on the topic of media concentration at the FCC, on Capitol Hill and beyond, there remains a notable absence of any consensus not only on the appropriate policy solutions, but even on the basic facts. How concentrated is each sector of the media and what are the trends? How do deals such as the proposed Comcast bid for Disney affect the trend? How would government agencies tasked with monitoring media concentration know when and if a danger point is reached? And what alternative policy approaches may need to be considered?

During the symposium, CITI's Director, Prof. Eli M. Noam, will present the results from his study of media concentration in 95 information sector industries. Dr. Mark Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America will also be presenting the results of his media ownership measurement.

Intern Wanted: Gain Real Experience That Will Last Music Industry Changes

GURU PROJECT will give you lasting experience you need to survive this dynamic music market trend and assure the right qualifications for post graduate career opportunities.

Guru Music Project is an Artist Empowerment Platform taking into account industry changes and the need to service independent artists and/or small to midsized labels. It is a new business model company comprised of highly accomplished Chris Pati with 30 years experience and accomplishments that include over a dozen Billboard Charting projects and regarded as one of the top experts in the industry.

L.A.A.W.W. Seeks Volunteers To Help "Clean Up" Music Biz

As the Music Industry continues to self-regulate itself, more and more of its artists are granting hard-earned money to seemingly legitimate operations, only to discover that theyıve been duped with little or no hope of recovery. With no central point for research or dependable information, theyıre condemned to wander the Internet, relying on discussion boards for mostly unreliable speculation and heat-of-the-moment postings to make a business decision regarding their career.

After investigating a few music scams, indie advocate John Foxworthy decided it was time to create an organization that would provide artists with a credible source of information regarding businesses in the industry as well as a watchdog group for the protection of artists.

The Organization is called L.A.A.W.W. (League of Advocates for Artists World Wide). The Leagueıs mission is to provide a reporting hub and resource library for activities specific to the music industry. The organization will offer a standard for ethics and integrity and help to encourage legitimate business practices throughout the industry in the form of a fair reporting and rating system. L.A.A.W.W. will become a central resource for information regarding the reliability of commercial members of the music community and provide a library of research as well as contacts in the legal aspects.

Vinny and Ray's Awarded IMAs Best Latin Song for 2004

Hamden, CT based Ardel Records, an independent music label whose mission is to guide new artists in the promotion and marketing of their music, announced that their recording artist Vinny and Ray had been awarded the Best Original Latin Song Award for their single RUMBA EN EL BARRIO. The announcement followed the Music Resource Group's release of the 2004 winners of the 3rd Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs). This yearıs celebrity judging panel included Amy Ray, DJ Spooky, Hank Shocklee, Joan Baez, Lou Reed, Mavis Staples, Mickey Hart, Ray Davies, Steve Vai and Wendy Waldman. Award-winning graphic designers Spencer Drate and Judith Salavetz headed the design panel. As a resullt of the award, Vinny and Ray will be promoted in spring to more than 4.5 million Borders Books & Music customers and to thousands of industry contacts, including music journalists, club talent buyers, record label executives and radio programmers.

P2P Trade Association Challenge "Big Five"

P2P United has written individually today to the Chairmen/CEOs of the five major recording companies whose subsidiaries comprise virtually the entire membership of the RIAA, requesting that they take immediate steps to make Audible Magic software (touted by the industry as a solution to unlawful downloading) available for independent testing and analysis.

As noted in the letter, P2P Unitedıs similar request of RIAA Chairman Mitch Bainwol of February 24 was waved off by the Associationıs General Counsel as outside RIAAıs ability to arrange given the proprietary nature of Audible Magicıs program.

Accordingly, P2P United also wrote on March 9 to Audible Magicıs CEO Vance Ikezoye directly requesting access to the software in order to facilitate independent tests. Mr. Ikezoye, who also received a copy of the February 24 letter to Mr. Bainwol on that date, thus far has not replied to either inquiry. The letter to Audible Magic also posed several questions the answers to which P2P United believes that the public and policymakers are entitled.

Eagle Rock Entertainment Presents Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay

Eagle Rock Entertainment offers Jewel fans a chance to experience an up-close, intimate concert by the singer/songwriter with the release of Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay. Shot in 2001, Jewel's first-ever live DVD showcases her charismatic, boundary-crossing style at its absolute finest. Live At Humphrey's By The Bay, shot in her hometown of San Diego, mixes in rare gems such as "Rosy and Mick" and "Everything Breaks Sometime" with many of her best-known songs. Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay will be available March 23, 2004 on DVD.

Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay features material from her 2001 album, This Way, including "Break Me," "The New Wild West," and "Grey Matter." Jewel also performs a number of her earlier hits, including "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "You Were Meant for Me." Bonus features include a photo gallery; three bonus live songs shot at various stops on the road to San Diego; an "On The Road" video which captures lighter, behind the scenes moments; a previously unseen interview; and a discography.

Push Records Moves To Information-driven Marketing

Independent record label, Push Records, recently signed an agreement to make Focus Marketing its official marketing agency. Focus Marketing will cover all aspects of marketing and promotion strategies development as well as project management support for Push Records.

Push Records and Focus Marketing will work initially for an up and coming new artist, Ashley.

The move of Push Records to pick Focus Marketing as its agency, as opposed to the established organizations, is symptomatic of the maturity that independent artists and labels are gaining on the need and importance to have a disciplined business approach based on information analysis, focus on top opportunities and Fortune 100 marketing best practices applications.

"We looked at many options for the promotion and marketing support of Ashley. We knew that we had to focus as we have, like anyone, limited resources both for time and money but we did not feel that the traditional way to define artists marketing and promotions was bringing us any where" says Alton Greenwood, CEO of Push Records.

Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2004 - Republished with Permission