Hypebot’s New Music Business Briefing For Friday November 17th, 2006

> Google has smartly set aside $200 million to defend YouTube against lawsuits. (Guardian UK)

> Phonezoo gives individuals the tools to turn songs they own into ringtones thus avoiding high ringtone fees.  It also enables some sharing tones with others.  Will rights-holders think it’s an illegal use?  (TechDirt & Venture Beat)

> The Barenaked Ladies are letting the fans do the marketing of their new indie CD encouraging them to make videos, design concert t-shirts and even re-mix songs (NPR)

> Radio giant Clear Channel has been sold its 1100 radio stations to people (two private equity firms) who probably care even less about the quality of broadcasting than the current owners. (MarketWatch)