EMI In Talks To Sell Catalog As MP3’s

Major news media are now reporting something Hypebot’s been writing for week’s, EMI is in talks to
offer a large portion of its catalog as DRM free mp3’s.

Various sources point to exploratory talks with SnoCap for MySpace sales, Amazon for its new download service, MTV, Napster,Real and others.  Some suggest that the timing of Steve Job’s anti-DRM letter was motivated by talks with EMI.  Several sources report that EMI is seeking large upfront payments from potential download providers.  While sources say that EMI is suggesting that the payments would cover potential losses; it is also likely that company’s payment requests and move to DRM is also motivated by the need to hit quarterly earnings targets and quickly pump up a
sagging bottom line.

EMI refused to comment specifically accept to tout recent mp3 experiments with Norah Jones and others. "The results have been positive," the EMI spokeswoman said,
adding, "lack of operability between a proliferating range of
devices and hardware and the digital platforms for delivering
music is more and more becoming an issue for music consumers
and EMI has been engaging with our various partners to find a
solution."