Hypebot’s New Music Industry Briefing For Friday May 4, 2006

UPDATED –  Warners Music Group posted a fiscal second-quarter loss of $7 million this morning vs. a profit of $4 million a year ago.  Sales for recorded music rose, but revenue from music publishing declined. The company beat Wall Street’s estimates.(MSN)

EMI + WMG – Sources say that EMI is still trying for the buyout, but that WMG is no hurry. In the end insiders believe that WMG investors will force a sale. (The Street). Plus opinions from music industry commentator Bob Lefestz ("It’s about cold, hard cash". Read more here) and never ending speculation from Hits who are already predicting the inhabitants of a combined company’s executive suite.

– Apple has patented a wireless iPod and wireless iTunes and ringtone delivery  system. (Macsimum)

– Clear Channel posted strong results bolstered by spot sales.

– In an effort to standardize and track digital music sales better, the 4 (or is it 3?) major labels, digital music services and music rights agencies have founded a consortium called Digital Data Exchange. (cNet)

– According to The Rolling Stone’s web site Guns ‘n Roses will open for them on two dates in Germany in July. (RollingStone.com)

– R.I.P. Sidney Seidenberg, the long-time manager of BB King.