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The article discusses the new licensing deal between the two music company Universal Music Group Inc and digital music service platform Spotify. It mentions that the discussions on the long-term licensing agreement which was going on for the last two years has finally been signed and finalized. The article also discusses the benefits that both the parties may gain of this partnership and the things that can be expected from this partnership in the future.

The article discusses several developments related to the mass media industry. According to an announcement from Italy's Ministry of Culture, the Italian state will begin taking the title of "co-producer" on certain films it helps fund. It states that Great Britain's Pinewood Studios Group is partnering with Castle Point Studio Partners Ltd., to build sound-stages in Toronto, Ontario. It discusses E! Networks closing a broadband television (TV) licensing deal with Korea Telecom Corp.

Discusses the international expansion strategy of classical music record label the Children's Group. Details of the label's global licensing agreements; Comments by Children's Group president Michelle Henderson regarding the popularity of the 'Mozart Effect' series; Highlights of foreign-language adaptations being marketed by the label; Outlook for further growth.

Looks at the collaboration of Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and other international rights groups to simplify Internet licensing of music performance. Companies involved, which include BUMA, GEMA, and SACEM; What the agreements entail for licensing; How the licenses will be granted according to guidelines prepared by BMI.

The article presents a profile of the alternative rock group Placebo. Particular attention is paid to the band's decision not to renew its recording contract with Virgin/ EMI. The group's lead singer Brian Molko discusses the release of the band's album "Battle for the Sun" on it own Dreambrother label. Alex Weston, director of Riverman Management, says the key to Placebo's success was focusing on finding international partners for exclusive license and distribution deals.

The article reports that the Spanish authors and publishers collecting society SGAE has joined Warner/Chappell's Pan-European Digital Licensing (PEDL) initiative. Other collecting societies which have joined up with PEDL include Great Britain's MCPS-PRS Alliance, Germany's GEMA, Sweden's STIM and France's Sacemk. PEDL concedes nonexclusive rights over the Warner/Chappel Music catalog to these societies.

Reports that the United States Congress will most likely ignore a World Trade Organization (WTO) demand to void the Fairness in Music Licensing Act. View that if the U.S. turns its back on the WTO, the group is likely to ask for compensation from the U.S. in another area of trade; Discussion of the history of the legislation.

Reports on the licensing agreement between Japanese independent record label Avex and South Korean label SM Entertainment. Efforts of South Korea to ease its ban on Japanese popular culture; Financial details of the agreement; Comments by Avex chairman Tom Yoda regarding business relations between the countries.