Anyone working at Columbia and Epic has a reason to be nervous. Several A&R’s have already been let go. A new President will bring a new “regime” consisting of his old buddies and friends to make him look like a pro. This cycle repeats itself over and over. Even the Ataris wanted to avoid “the hoopla” and split from the label. It seems that the days are gone when A&R’s and label execs were excited to discover and nurture new talent.

The U.S. government has joined forces with the entertainment industry to stop the global epidemic in pirated movies and music, pressuring foreign governments to crack down or risk incurring trade barriers. The once popular Kazaa has half as many users as it did at its peak three years ago.

The Movie Industry is aiming to succeed where the music industry failed and force Steve Jobs to change his mind over the prices of flicks he wants to flog online. Apple wants to start selling movies for video iPods online and according to Variety magazine Jobs is personally entering into negotiations with the movie studios.

Former Warner Brothers CEO Mo Ostin may be close to returning to the label in a consulting capacity after months of talks with current Warner chairman and CEO Tom Whalley.

Former American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard received $2 million in his lawsuit against his ex-manager for misappropriating the singer’s money and credit cards. He filed suit last year against against ex-manager Ronald W. Edwards and Edwards’ promotions company, Sez Inc. Supposedly the poor ol’ manager used Studdard’s money to repay a $10,000 bank loan.

A&R executive John Kalodner is retiring after 35 years in the music business. Kalodner is credited with reviving Aerosmith and Cher’s careers. Among the many other acts he worked with are Genesis, Phil Collins, Yes, AC/DC, Santana, Bon Jovi, XTC, Shawn Colvin, Yes, etc.