Universal Music Group refuses iTunes deal

Amid Jesus Phone frenzy, during which even this non-technology news blog has finally found some way to use the aforementioned holy moniker, Universal Music Group is uninterested in an immortal bond with Apple. The number one music business group recently refused a long-term licensing agreement with the iTunes Music Store, announcing that it prefers openness to month-by-month contracts.

According to Billboard.com, “The market-leading music firm’s decision to break ranks could potentially derail Apple’s dominance of the online music market. . .UMG’s tough new stance comes as the record industry awaits the arrival of Amazon’s download service.”

The New York Times reported that UMG's decision "could allow Universal to remove its songs from the iTunes service on short notice if the two sides do not agree on pricing or other terms in the future."

We'll have more updates as the story continues to develop.

Related links:
Billboard: Universal Snubs iTunes deal
UMusic.com
Apple iTunes

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