[Fmpro] Fresh Technologies Spell Mixed Opportunies for Publishers

[Dana from Serious Vanity Music]

Permalink: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/043007king

Fresh Technologies Spell Mixed Opportunies for Publishers

Publishers continue to navigate the disruptive digital transition with 
adaptive aplomb, thanks to a highly diversified approach.  But newer 
technologies offer mixed opportunities, and mixed feelings as well. 
Discussing the terrain during a Musexpo panel in Los Angeles on Monday 
morning, legendary publishing executive Martin Bandier pointed to a growing 
number of revenue outlets and opportunities.  "Publishing has been able to 
survive because there are so many sources of revenue," said Bandier, 
currently chairman and chief executive at Sony/ATV Music Publishing. 
According to Bandier, the exhaustive list includes "ringtones, karaoke, 
YouTube," and an innumerable number of more traditional licensing channels. 
And looking forward, a continued explosion in media technology spells more 
opportunity for publishers to license their core assets.  "It's about the 
song and the artist, and the song is always first," Bandier said.

That profile offers quite a contrast to the recording sector, which funnels 
most of its revenues from the sale of CDs.  But like its recording cousins, 
the publishing sector remains highly concerned about missed revenue 
opportunities. Bandier discussed the quickly-changing publishing business 
during a star-studded panel, one moderated by Larry King and flanked by 
digital celebrity Chad Hurley of YouTube.  That proved the perfect assembly, 
as Bandier offered mixed sentiments towards the YouTube phenomenon, 
especially considering the importance of music to the video giant.  "Our 
biggest challenge is the rampant use of music without any compensation," 
Bandier asserted.  "It's difficult when there's no restriction or filters on 
new music."  In response, Hurley pointed to a broad video platform, one that 
includes presidential speeches and high school basketball clips, though 
music remains an undeniable component of the experience.  That has labels 
eagerly anticipating a promised
filtering solution, though Hurley did not offer a firm date for its arrival.

Story by editor Paul Resnikoff, on location in Los Angeles.


Dana Detrick-Clark
Serious Vanity Music: http://www.seriousvanity.com
The Anatomy of an Album: http://album-anatomy.livejournal.com