Sony BMG Continues Digital, Mobile Push; Remains Protected

Sony BMG Continues Digital, Mobile Push; Remains Protected

Sony BMG digital chief Thomas Hesse pointed to ramping digital sales during discussions last week, and offered little indication of a protection-free move. Hesse, an ardent backer of content protection, has remained rather quiet alongside DRM-free moves by both EMI Music and Universal Music Group. During a keynote discussion at the Digital Music Forum in Los Angeles, Hesse noted that US-based digital assets recently pushed past 30 percent, and projected a 40 percent ratio next year. But global digital sales are lower - 17 percent according to Hesse - and broader CD sales declines are dragging the larger average considerably.

During the chat, Hesse acknowledged a "disappointing year," a rather understated assessment of a near 15-percent drop in US-based recorded industry sales this year. But the executive assumed a rather optimistic tone, and pointed to massive potential across mobile formats - despite a softening ringtone. "We have seen a flattening of growth in the ringtone business this year, but we see much potential in ringback tones," Hesse said. "Ultimately, all-you-can-eat music services on the phone and sales of phones preloaded with music I think are the winning formulas," the executive said.

Bron: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/100707sony