New deals in the digital age

Marty Bandier, head of Sony/ATV/EMI, has formally re-affirmed the publisher's threat to withdraw from the collective licensing system in the US if the Department Of Justice doesn't agree to revise the rules that regulate the two main American collecting societies for song performance rights, ASCAP and BMI. 
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An update on SoundCloud: The online music sharing service is seemingly close to a deal with the largest record labels Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. Bloomberg says the major labels will agree to licences so SoundCloud can continue play their songs - and avoid potential legal disputes.  It seems SoundCloud is offering the three major labels equity in the company, in exchange for both licensing deals and guarantees not to sue over any past copyright violations when the service shifts to a monetised model. According to Bloomberg, Universal, Sony and Warner are being offered between 3% and 5% of SoundCloud, along with a cut of future revenues.