TOP 10 FEATURES: See our summaries of the Best of Best in Black Music and more
Heidi Raphael Named Next President and CEO of New York State...
The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has selected Heidi Raphael, a veteran broadcast executive with deep roots in Western New York, as its next President and CEO. This leadership transition carries significant weight for radio programmers, station owners, and rights holders...
Mary Lockrem Returns to Coachella Valley Airwaves as Connoisseur Media Palm...
Mary Lockrem has secured a new midday hosting role at 98.5 The Bull in the Coachella Valley, marking her return to local radio after departing Marker Broadcasting’s Big 106. This personnel shift strengthens Connoisseur Media Palm Springs’ country lineup and retains a...
BMG Secures Full Rights to Hal David, John Lee Hooker and...
BMG Rights Management has finalized a trio of major acquisitions that consolidate control over the publishing and recorded interests of blues legend John Lee Hooker, songwriting titan Hal David, and the historic ARC Music publishing company. This move significantly expands BMG’s footprint...
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to $10M AI Streaming Fraud Scheme
A landmark criminal plea by a North Carolina man exposes the fragility of streaming royalty models, revealing how artificial intelligence and automated bots can drain millions from legitimate artists, publishers, and rights holders. Michael Smith, 52, admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit...
Pitchfork Festivals LLC Sues Co-Founder Mike Reed Over $564K Misappropriation
The company behind the shuttered Pitchfork Music Festival has filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois against co-founder Mike Reed, alleging he misappropriated $564,680 of festival funds by falsely claiming the money covered expenses for the canceled 2025 event. This legal action directly...
Live Nation DOJ Antitrust Settlement Enters 60-Day Public Comment Period
The antitrust settlement between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice has officially entered a mandatory 60-day public comment period, a critical procedural step that could alter the final terms of the agreement before judicial approval. This development directly impacts promoters...
UK Government Unveils Turn It up Plan With £45M Funding and...
The UK government has officially launched "Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music," a comprehensive strategy designed to stabilize the sector's talent pipeline, protect freelancer rights, and boost exports through significant new funding allocations. This move directly impacts labels, publishers, and radio...
Warner Moves to Dismiss AFM AI Suit, Argues No Contractual Right...
Warner Music Group is aggressively seeking to dismiss the breach of contract lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Musicians, arguing the union is attempting to enforce a contractual right and royalty rate that do not exist under current labor agreements. This...
Allison Russell Releases Duets-Heavy Third Album in the Hour of Chaos...
Allison Russell has officially released her third solo album, In the Hour of Chaos, on July 10, 2026, marking a strategic pivot from her previous solo efforts to a collaborative "duets-filled" project under the Fantasy Records label. The album, a Concord Label...
























