Tuesday’s Music 2.0 Briefing: Concord Merged, ISP Ban Grows, Grammys Down & Much More

>Australian movie maker Village Roadshow has merged with indie label Concord Records. They will operate as seperate companies with VR holding the dominate stock position. (press release, Age AU) This deal had been announced last year but been delayed because of regulatory complexities.

> In a move that seems to be gaining steam worldwide, internet users in the UK who illegally download music and films could be banned from going online according to leaked government proposals. (Times UK)

> Only 17.5 million watch the Grammys. The third smallest audience ever. (AP)

> Starbucks dumps T-Mobile and adds AT&T to offer up to 2 hours of free W-Fi. (ars)

> Speakers and agenda announced for Digital Music Forum East Feb 26-27 in NYC.

> Omniphone and LG Electronics will beat Nokia to market as well as challenge the iPhone with free music when it starts selling mobile phones in few months giving consumers access via Omnifone’s MusicStation. (Reuters, AP)

> RealNetworks to showcase mobile entertainment-as-a-service concept and upcoming cell confabs. (press release)