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Report: iTMS for Australia to Launch Oct. 3 Without Some Music

Thursday, September 8th, 2005 at 8:40 AM - by Staff

Apple may launch its iTunes Music Store (iTMS) in Australia as early as October 3, but the selection of music will be limited, Forbes.com reported Thursday.

The hold up reportedly is negotiations with record labels over the best way to sell digital music down under. "At issue, say music label executives, is Apple's insistence on selling all music at the same price," the report said. "In the U.S., songs go for 99 cents a pop, and similar pricing plans exist in almost every other market in which Apple sells. Music executives say they want to charge a premium for some songs--say, for a hot single before it goes on sale in retail stores--or slash prices on others--say, older songs from the label's back catalog."

The report said EMI Group and Universal Music Group -- have agreed on a deal to sell their music on the iTMS, but that Warner Music Group and Sony BMG Music have yet to sign on with Apple.

"A Warner Music executive said the company was close to signing on with Apple for the Australian launch, but couldn't predict when a deal would get done," the report said. "Industry speculation, though, is that Sony BMG will be harder to convince."

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Thu Sep 08, 2005 11:22 am

Every country that iTMS goes to has a yoyo or two in the record industry that thinks THEY are going to be the ones to challenge Apple and change the "deal". Hasn't happened yet and it isn't going to happen in Australia. All these guys have done is to miss out on revenues from the delayed introduction. Time for Apple to put these guys in the slow learners class and get going with the ones that want to be a part of iTMS.

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A guest said: (hide)

Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:21 pm

Apple should just go ahead without Sony and Warner. Just like they did in Japan.

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