UMG holds up IFPI report

HOLD EVERYTHING: UMG is being blamed for delaying the release of the IFPI’s marketshare report while it tries to gain regulatory approval for its proposed takeover of EMI Music, according to the N.Y. Post. The org reportedly canceled a press briefing with top music execs scheduled for Tuesday in London when fighting broke out over the report, which bears the title “Investing in Music.” Sources told Claire Atkinson that Universal wanted to downplay the role of the major labels in launching and shaping new acts, and to add new wording on growing competition in digital music distribution from new services like TuneCore and The Orchard. According to these sources, UMG wouldn’t sign off on the report unless the changes were made, while rivals refused to OK it if the IFPI bowed to Universal’s demands. “This report suddenly doesn’t make sense,” said one music source. “It’s really unfair.” But Universal insiders denied trying to hold up the report, saying they simply want it to reflect the realities of today’s marketplace. All of the Big Four have to agree on the wording of the report before it can be distributed. Frustrated by the back and forth, IFPI head Frances Moore emailed the labels last week, saying that if they couldn’t agree, the org didn’t want to play referee. The report will now be bumped to the fall. (6/27a)