Apple the New Radio?

APPLE ON THE RADIO: A leading digital analyst predicts that Apple’s recent acquisition of Lala, providing online access to large music libraries for portable devices like the iPhone, will eventually replace commercial radio as a means of discovering and sharing music. Inside Music Media’s Phil Leigh says, when consumers are able to play these devices through their car stereo systems, it will regenerate interest in new as well as old releases, claming the proliferation of both free, advertiser-supported services as well as premium ones without commercials. His advice to record labels and music publishers: “If you leave Apple out of the picture, then really you’re just shooting yourself in the foot.” (4/21p)