Unions OK UMG-EMI

THUMBS UP TO UMG-EMI: Two of the most important unions in the entertainment business, including the newly merged SAG-AFTRA and the American Federation of Musicians, have given their tentative approval to the UMG-EMI pairing, currently going through Phase II investigation by the European Commission, which just approved Sony/ATV’s acquisition of EMI Music Publishing. “We encourage the Commission to review UMG’s statement of commitment to invest in artist development, to promote diverse musical genres and to provide the human and financial resources needed to rebuild EMI and position it for the future,” wrote AFM chief Raymond M. Hair, adding, if that were the case, the org would have “favorable consideration” of the merger. (4/18p)