add MJ deal

IT’S TO DIE FOR: The reliable Ethan Smith made some solid points in his coverage of the deal in the Wall Street Journal, noting that it underscores the reality that the biggest acts are becoming even more essential to labels, as fans purchase fewer albums each year. And in death, Jackson is a proven earner: by this June 25, the estate expects to have earned $250 million from sales of music, merch and tickets to the This Is It film. But unlike 360 deals, this one doesn't give Sony income from merch sales, licensing fees for his name and likeness or other ancillary cash generators. Nonetheless, "We see it as a partnership," Rob Stringer told Smith. (3/16a)