French lawmakers gave approval to legislation that could force Apple Computer Inc. to make its iPod and iTunes Music Store compatible with competitor music players and online services. (Associated Press)

Handleman the music distributor will begin cutting costs including employees due to the lack of blockbusters coming out of the music business. (Detriot Free Press)

Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson who has created an empire of about 200 companies in over 30 countries in sectors including air travel, mobile phones, financial, retail, music, Internet, drinks, rail, hotels, etc. announced a rock festival for Canada. The festival will hope to accomodate 50,000 fans, will feature more than 40 acts, including Massive Attack, Flaming Lips and Gnarls Barkley, and the Raconteurs. (Reuters)

U2’s outspoken Bono who has been a leading figure in encouraging the media companies to distribute music online will join the DRM fight. iTunes music is distributed with DRM locks, and DRM restricts the traditional rights of users of copyrighted works. DRM protects major record labels from competition.”
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