While the major labels’ digital music subscription offerings may not be coming together as quickly as was originally anticipated, representatives of Pressplay and MusicNet say the services are still on target to launch before the end of the year, Billboard Bulletin reports.
Pressplay, the offering from Sony Music and Universal Music Group, has missed its launch target of the first two weeks of September, announced by Vivendi Universal chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. during the Plug.In conference in July. A Pressplay spokesperson says the venture now intends to launch later this fall.
Consumer rollout of the MusicNet service from Warner Music Group, BMG Entertainment, EMI Recorded Music, and RealNetworks is expected in late October. Details on the MusicNet business/technology platform could be announced this week.
Holding up the release of both services is an agreement granting them publishing rights. Some sources familiar with the negotiations between the Recording Industry Association of America and publishers’ licensing body the Harry Fox Agency say a deal could be announced this week.
