New Music Industry Briefing For Monday May 15, 2006

– Apple is planning some kind of a product announcement on Thursday amid reports that sales of some iPod models are slowing. (AppleInsider)

– EMI is expected to up it’s bid for WMG this week to $30 per share.  Some analysts expect Warners to hold out for more like $33 which may be to rich for some EMI shareholders. (Observer)

– The PERFORM Act introduced in the US House (similar to one introduced in the Senate) is designed to increase royalty payments across satellite, cable and net platforms.  Predictably it is applauded by the RIAA and decried by consumer groups. (ARSTechnica)

– Internet radio is experiencing a surge in listenership in both the US and UK according to new surveys. (RAIN)

– Music, book and DVD distributor Baker & Taylor has been sold.  (Reuters)

– Leonard Cohen made a rare public appearance in Canada to promote his well reviewed new book and is planning a new tour and CD. (Yahoo!)

– iTunes accounted for 44% of UK music downloads last month, but the unauthorized AllofMP3.com came in second with 14% and ahead of Napster at 8%, Wippit (6%) and MSN (6%). (Register)