Universal May DRM Free Ante

We reported the rumors weeks ago that Universal seemed likely to be the next major label to try a broad DRM free
experiment.  Now the signs seem clear.

At a variety of
conventions Universal execs and staffers have stated that the company is not ruling out anything as it journeys into the digital age. Behind the scenes we hear
repeated rumors of large catalog selections being discussed with several download stores as well as a broad based classical offering. 

Universal, the world’s largest label group, seems to be positioning itself progressively in front of both WMG, who spends a great deal of time and money to convince Wall Street that it has the digital edge, and a surprisingly silent Sony BMG. Credit should go to Universal Chief Doug Morris who smartly sees DRM free as inevitable and refuses to be last at anything.