Independent Music Companies Slam Concentration Race

[seraph]

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=59140
European independent music companies oppose the joint venture announced yesterday between BMG and Sony and also the planned merger between EMI and Warner. IMPALA, the independents' body in Brussels, is confident that any and all such mergers by the majors will be blocked because of the impact on competition. The independents do not accept that these moves are a valid response to the crisis in the recording sector which needs less rather than more concentration.  


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The independents object because further market concentration causes more damage to competition in the music market, reduces consumer choice and severely impacts cultural diversity.  It will enhance the majors' dominance to the detriment of the independents who represent the entrepreneurial and creative part of the music market. This was the European Commission's conclusion the last time EMI and Warner attempted to merge in 2000.  The specificities of the music market mean that the EU's assessment that five majors is acceptable and four or three is not, remains valid regardless of changing market conditions.

The independents point out that the crisis in the recording sector is mainly the result of supply problems and the majors' trading practices, which are themselves the product of concentration.  Legitimate recorded music and methods of supplying it to consumers have become less attractive and less seductive.  The industry has failed to listen. This is the real crisis. Further concentration will simply exacerbate the cause. Concentration kills diversity and music. The remedy is more competition and less concentration.  

The independents are concerned about the negative impact across the whole value chain from record companies to publishers to artists, performers, employees, managers, retailers, composers, writers, collecting societies and of course consumers.  The independents will formally oppose the deals through IMPALA.  

Michel Lambot, IMPALA President and Director of Play it Again Sam/Vital said: "What is important is competition and market access. It is remarkable that the parties are even attempting this race, which highlights the weakness of their case. In one word we are not against the majors but prefer to see six of them rather than three or four. It is also of a primary importance not to leave three or four multinational groups deciding with Apple and Microsoft what will be the future or artistic creation and artists remuneration."

Patrick Zelnik, IMPALA Vice President and President of Naïve said: "We are confident that the Commission will block these moves because of their impact on competition and cultural diversity. The crisis in the record business is on the supply side not the demand side. The parties are hiding behind market decline. Further concentration will simply exacerbate the problem. What is required is new business models that are meaningful to the consumer and effective competition."

Martin Mills, IMPALA Board Member and Chairman of Beggars Group said: "This is about dominance, control and manipulation. This is not about music.  Do we want more Universals? Look what that has brought us. There may be a crisis in recorded music but there has never been more demand for music. As record companies it is our task to meet this demand by being technology and artist friendly. We need to be imaginative and serve music fans."

[elektro80]

Clearly what the business needs, of we forget that the industry as such is concentrated among a few huge players, is diversity and better distribution for all parties involved. Right, I almost forgot to mention that composers and musicians must get a huge piece of the pie too. The way the business is now is sick. Sick I tell you, sick..

What we should wish for is an international legislation that really protects the musicians and composers.