Critics sing in unison against Universal bid
Universal Music Group’s pending $1.9 billion bid for the recorded-music business of EMI Group has some rival record labels, consumer groups and artists singing the blues in the nation’s capital.
The consolidation of musical talent under one corporate roof — Lady Gaga and Katy Perry would be represented, along with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other artists — would give the company control of more than 43 percent of the American recorded music pie…
…Criticisms of the deal also strike a chord with musicians.
“We are frankly enormously skeptical that mergers and acquisitions in our industry will result in positive benefits for creators … and consumers,” said Casey Rae-Hunter, deputy director of the Future of Music Coalition, a national nonprofit that supports policies that lets musicians and other artists flourish.