Industry Ink (8/03/12)

According to various sources, two leaders of the US Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Issues have sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission regarding Universal Music Group’s acquisition of EMI. The move follows a June 21 hearing on the proposed deal.

“Without reaching any final judgment as to the legality of the deal under the antitrust laws, we believe this proposed acquisition presents significant competition issues that merit careful FTC review to ensure that the transaction is not likely to cause substantial harm to competition in the affected markets,” wrote Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Mike Lee (R-UT).

In response to the senators’ letter, UMG released a statement saying it was confident it would gain regulatory approval. Universal Music Group recently submitted a package to satisfy concerns of European regulators, but so far it has not extended the same concessions to earn FTC approval in the US.

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DigSin founder and chief Jay Frank is profiled in a Tennessean feature, in which he discusses his company’s strategy and business model. Check it out here.

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Event streaming company Live It Now Entertainment has recently launched in Nashville. Founded by Tom Strother and Rick Patci, Live It Now will focus on broadcasting live events of all stripes. The company has worked with a variety of clients including Florida Georgia Line, Music City Roots, and more. Email Patci here and more info here.

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Spin Doctors Music Group has launched a new division called Next Generation Artist Management, to be headed up by Spin Doctors Executive VP Kristin Johnson. First clients include Pour Boy Records artist John Karl and SMG Nashville artist Stephanie Grace. Reach Johnson here.

Spin Doctors has also added Amber Matthews as Promotions Coordinator and Director of Social Media. Matthews previously worked in radio for Clear Channel Nashville, and in Bowling Green, KY. Congratulate her here.