Universal/Buzznet Buys AbsolutePunk
Absolutepunk.net, arguably the most popular niche music site on the net, has been bought by Buzznet. This follows recent acquisitions of Stereogum and Idolator as well as a major investment in Buzznet by Universal.
Responding to concerns that Universal can exercise control over AbsolutePunk editorial, AP.net founder Jason Tate he claims that he remains totally in control:
"UMG doesn’t own Buzznet, they’ve made an investment in the company – those are 2 different things.""UMG will not have any influence or input into anything AP.net is doing editorially – our editorial will stay true to how it’s always been – we cover what we want to cover and what the readers want to see. Period."
it’s easy for him to say that now, but….
i hate to tell Jason, but being an investor DOES make them a part-owner; why else would UMG invest in this?