NEWS BRIEF: iTunes Sales Hit $6B, Rhapsody to EU, Cowell’s DJ TV, The Collective Expands, MOG & More

Global iTunes stores sales rose to $1.7 billion Q4 2011 including from music, video and apps. That's roughly $6 billion for all of 2011, according to an analysis by Billboard's Glenn Peoples, up 55%. The company does not break out music only sales.

• Rhapsody has expanded into Europe with purchase of Napster UK, Germany.
• Simon Cowell's Syco to launch global 'X Factor for DJs' TV talent show in partnership with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's production company. (Metro)

MORE:

• Former Borman Management exec Genevieve Jewell is opening a Nashville office for management and production company The Collective.
• The Orchard has partnered with Syd Butler to create the Frenchkiss Label Group (FKLG) to serve  developing labels.
• The Norwegian Music-Streaming Experience Shows Why Tough Anti-Piracy Laws Are Unnecessary. (techdirt)
• MOG has updated its iPhone and iPod Touch app including more recommendation and release info and promises an iPad app soon.
• MXP4 will launch a new social music game, Bopler Tap Tour, and an expanded music library at Midem next week. 
• Former music industry intern and indie musician Lotte Mullan has had her story optioned by Rocket Pictures, the production company of Elton John and David Furnish.