Universal accused of delaying IFPI market-share report

Universal Music Group has allegedly caused delays to the release of a market-share report from the IFPI after trying to put its own spin on the publication, according to reports.
The New York Post reports that the IFPI was scheduled to hold a press briefing yesterday with top music execs in London to unveil its new Investing In Music report, but was forced to cancel after Universal failed to sign off on the analysis.

Two sources told the NY Post that Universal wanted to downplay the role of the major record labels in launching and shaping new artists, as well as wanting to add new wording on growing competition in music distribution from new services that work with indies to gain distribution.

A stalemate was reported to have emerged when Universal refused to OK the report without the changes, and rivals refused to give the go ahead if the IFPI gave into the company’s demands.

One source said: “This report suddenly doesn’t make sense. It’s really unfair,” while Universal insiders told the New York Post that the company simply wants it to reflect the realities of today’s marketplace.

The IFPI need all four major labels to agree on the wording of the report before it can be distributed.

IFPI head Frances Moore is said to have emailed the labels last week saying that the industry body didn’t want to play referee and would delay the report until autumn.

Source: Music Week