Both Sirius and XM are trying to win over the public and the FCC in the event of a merger by offering a variety of services.

Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio said the companies plan to offer a la carte plans to consumers starting at $6.99 for 50 channels.

Under the a la carte option, customers will be able to buy additional channels for as little as 25 cents each. A second a la carte option will allow subscribers to choose 100 channels and will allow Sirius customers to select from some of the best of XM’s programming and XM subscribers to choose from some of the best of Sirius’ programming.

In total, the companies plan to offer eight plans costing up to $16.99 per month.
A la carte programming will be available beginning within one year following the merger, and the other programming options will be available beginning within six months following the merger. (Yahoo Biz)

Kelly posted this blog on her website.

“There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the release of “My December,” much of which has focused on a supposed feud with my record label, in particular, Clive Davis. I want to set the record straight on this by saying that I want my band, my advisors, those close to me and my record label to be one big, tightly knit family. Like any family we will disagree and argue sometimes but, in the end, it’s respect and admiration that will keep us together. A lot has been made in the press about my relationship
with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context. Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I’m well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so. I really regret how this has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice. I would never intentionally hurt anyone. I love music,
and I love the people I am blessed to work with. I am happy that my team is behind me and I look forward to the future.”

– Kelly

iPhone Flaw Lets Hackers Take Over, Security Firm Says…..
A team of computer security consultants say they have found a flaw in Apple’s wildly popular iPhone that allows them to take control of the device.

Lloyd Weber, the next Simon Cowell?
Lloyd Weber has signed with WMA, taking his first Hollywood agent ever because he wants to make a network deal for an American reality show that he’ll topline, searching for a young unknown to star in one of his stage musical productions. Weber has two hit reality shows in the UK. (Variety)

Terra Firma Makes Final Bid for EMI. The offer has been extended for a fourth and final time, until July 29.(WSJ)

Kansas City female fronted indie act Vedera has signed with Epic Records.

Check out the New York Times article on Prince “The Once and Future Prince”

According to sources singer/songwriter Universal Republic artist Colbie Caillat will have a strong opening week that could top 50k. Colbie is the daugher of Fleetwood Mac producer Ken Caillat.

The private equity firm Terra Firma hoping to buy EMI has again extended the deadline for its bid by 10 days. EMI shareholders have until July 29 to accept Terra Firma’s offer.
(BBC)

It has been rumoured that Starbucks is set to sign Joni Mitchell to their Hear Music label. Paul McCartney released ‘Memory Almost Full’ through Starbucks in June and was his highest charting US

Independent and unsigned artists will no longer have to waive digital rights to gain airplay on Clear Channel Radio affiliates. Clear Channel was under scrutiny when it asked artists to forgo their online royalties, particularly as they related to online station simulcasts and on-demand offerings (DMN).

More reading on this topic: Blackmail, Radio Giant Clear Channel Accused Of Making Indie Artists Forfeit Performance Royalty

Prince distributed nearly 3 million copies of his latest album in the UK. According to the paper, 2.81 million copies of the paper were purchased, nearly a record-breaking result. Sony BMG UK, dissolved its one-album contract with Prince following the discovery of the Mail on Sunday plan.

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Walt Disney takes creative action to reverse declining of CD Sales..

Walt Disney music label Hollywood Records is offering a new CD format with extra features to encourage CD purchases in an effort to reverse declining CD sales. Hollywood Records recently unveiled its new CDVU+ (CD View Plus) format with digital magazine extras, song lyrics, band photos and other extras to boost fan loyalty.

The new format also replaces the traditional CD booklet and plastic jewel case with recyclable packaging. Teen pop punk band Jonas Brothers will be the first act to use the technology when they release their album on August 7. (Reuters)

Bottom Line: It’s about time a music label offered a new CD format despite the digital revolution. It needed an overhaul. Although it may not significantly spike CD sales, the standard CD jewel case is cheap and certainly not sexy. Again, hit records and artists will benefit the most.