Universal pulls its iTunes contract


The Universal Music Group - the largest music conglomerate in the world - has refused to renew its contract with iTunes. Universal seeks to change from its current year-long contract to a contract that would allow it to remove music on short notice if the two parties don't agree on pricing or any other terms in the future. While it would benefit neither party financially if Universal pulled its music from iTunes altogether (Universal earns 15% of its revenue through digital sales, and one out of three major label albums is distributed via Universal), this move may be a first step in shifting some of the negotiating power away from iTunes and move it towards content providers.
Universal won't renew iTunes contract (StarTribune.com)
Posted in: ITUNES , UNIVERSAL MUSIC
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5 Responses

July 2, 2007 at 11:30 a.m.

Universal distributes some of the best major label artists. It's gonna be interesting to see what happens here. I almost feel that Uni really has the upper hand in the negotiations... maybe they'll knock Apple down a peg or something.

July 2, 2007 at 12:23 p.m.

Yeah, it could be interesting. I just finished reading NY mag's story on Jobs, which hinted at the imminent downfall of Apple. Wonder if it's beginning now.

July 2, 2007 at 12:36 p.m.

But who needs who more?

July 2, 2007 at 2:20 p.m.

That's what makes it interesting. Although I agree with the idea that the subscription model is going to surpass the iTunes model, and there seem to be some viable options out there.

July 3, 2007 at 11:07 a.m.

[...] this move could be either a major coup or a giant deflection scheme for Steve Jobs, who has met criticism from major record labels for the monopoly that Apple has on the digital music market. More news as it develops, but [...]

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