Russia to name and shame pirate site advertisers

Russia's Ministry Of Communications is going to start naming and shaming big brands whose ads are appearing on piracy sites in the country. The advertisers provide funding for the sites as well as perceived legitimacy, often leading consumers to conclude that the sites are  legitimate. The Ministry is planning to publish a list of over 100 such companies, but has already named car firms Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Volvo. Microsoft also makes the list. 

Spotify cancels Russian launch

Spotify has abandoned plans to launch in Russia with its office in the country due to close later this month. Russian news agency TASS reports that the head of the streaming service in the country, Alexander Kubaneishvili, wrote a memo saying: "I regret to say that Spotify has refused to start business in Russia in the nearest future. There are several reasons for that: the economic recession, the political situation, new laws controlling the internet" adding "My last official working day is 12 Feb. Speaking for myself, I can only confirm the fact that indeed, there will be no start-up in the nearest future".

But 2014 was a big year for streaming - and 2015 will be bigger. The Music Industry Blog says this: Apple entering the fray is the catalyst. Apple enters a market when it is ready for primetime. Apple lets the pioneers establish the market, prove the model and create consumer mindshare before it comes in and most often assumes a leadership role. Apple is certainly leaving it later than normal with subscriptions but it is still the same classic follower model, and the marketplace knows it. Hence Jay-Z’s reported €50 million interest in Norwegian streaming service WiMP and Spotify’s reported pursuit of a further $500 million. The first move is ‘let’s get in a market Apple is about to make huge’ and the second is an Apple war chest"

Russia's homosexuality laws prompt fears of attacks on performers

British performers have raised concerns that Russia's recently introduced laws on homosexuality have increased the risk of homophobic attacks, and dance and theatre groups are speaking with the British Council about the possibility of cancelling planned trips - or individual members not attending. Leading choreographer Matthew Bourne said that Russia had 'gone backwards' and now "equated homosexuality with paedophilia". The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Scottish National Theatre and the Royal Ballet all have trips planned as part of a cultural exchange programme planned by the British Council.  In June 2013, Russia received international criticism for enacting an anti-homosexual propaganda law, which purportedly was to prevent distribution of "non-traditional sexual relationships" ideas among minors. The law is an amendment to an existing child protection law.

Elton criticises Russia’s anti-gay laws at Moscow show

Sir Elton John interrupted a performance in Moscow on Friday night to condemn Russia’s anti-gay laws as “inhumane”. The singer went ahead with a series of concerts in the country despite calls by anti-gay groups for him to be banned. Whist saying he loved coming to Russia and loved its people, he said “So I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating.” Sir Elton dedicated the concert at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow to Vladislav Tornovoi, a 23-year-old man who was tortured and murdered in the southern city of Volgograd in a homophobic attack in May.

Gaga's Russian promoter fined for violating anti-gay laws

A court in St Petersburg has fined the promoters of a Lady Gaga show that took place in the Russian city last year under Russia's controversial "blame it on the gays" law. As previously reported, Gaga's show was criticised almost immediately last December, with local political figures accusing the singer of breaching rules that ban the "promotion" of homosexuality in the presence of minors. Ruling on the complaint, the judge hearing the case said that promoter Planeta Plus had  failed to protect "children from information that could harm their health and/or development". Though the firm was only fined 20,000 roubles, just under £400. It is thought the parents of the minor may launch a civil action against Planeta.

Live Nation open Moscow Office

Live Nation is to open a new office in Moscow. Tim McWilliams, currently VP of European Tour Operations for the live entertainment company, will head up the new unit from January as MD of Live Nation Russia and Ukraine.