February 21, 2007
Putting the ‘DRM’ in ‘drama’: Warner in talks to buy EMI
Posted Feb. 21, ’07, 8:07 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Music
Well, crap. You may recall that rumors were swirling in the electron cloud of the Internet that record label EMI was investigating releasing a substantial portion of its back catalog on the Internet, DRM-free. Unfortunately, news came to light the other day that none other than Warner Music was interested in purchasing EMI.
EMI reps have said no deal has even been proffered yet, and that it’s far from a certainty, but the two have gotten backing from a conglomerate of independent labels, who had previously opposed a merger between Sony and BMG. Why the about-face? No surprises, here: Warner and EMI have agreed that should they merge, they’ll shift some cash towards the indie labels.
But should the field narrow to a “big three,” it seems pretty much a certainty that you can kiss any hope of DRM-free tunes a fond farewell. Warner Music CEO, Edgar “Bronfy” Bronfman Jr.—proud winner of a coveted Jackass of the Week award, and possessor of the deadliest nose known to man—has stated outright “We will not abandon DRM” and called Steve Jobs’s proposal “without logic and merit.”
Yeah, well, your mom is without logic and merit. Snap!
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Totally agree with you here!
EMI was the only label to say they might think of DRM free music and then a week later Warner wants to buy them out.
And Brofman gets my vote on the jackass of the week award too! His argument is without merit as DRM only penalizes the people who buy music not pirate it.
Of course, this might be why EMI was so willing to say they'd consider offering DRM free music because they knew they would never actually have to do it. EMI announces they're considering releasing DRM-free music already knowing an offer from Warner is coming. EMI comes off looking like a hero and Warner continues their villain role. And EMI is happy because they were just blowing smoke about releasing DRM-free music.