MTV declares music industry "broken" — and backs it up

Cory Doctorow 10:01 pm Tue Dec 18, 2007

MTV has a three part series on 2007, the Year that the Record Industry Broke, about the incredible missteps, boners, and idiocies that the recording industry scored in 2007, and the losses they suffered as a result. When MTV declares the record industry dead, you know there's something going on.

October 16: Madonna finalizes a massive 10-year deal with Live Nation, believed to be worth $120 million. It's the largest so-called "360 deal" in history, involving not only Madge's future studio albums but her tours, merchandising, film and TV projects, DVD releases and music-licensing agreements. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited," Madonna says in a statement. "The possibilities are endless. Who knows how my albums will be distributed in the future?" The deal brings to an end the singer's 25-year relationship with Warner Music Group, which has released all of her albums to date.

Notice that Madonna's now being brought to you by a concert promoter that makes most of its money by getting bums in seats. Every time a Madonna song is copied, it increases the market for her concerts. Talk about a 21st Century business model.

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