EMI, Bertelsmann in talks
LONDON (AP) - EMI Group and Germany's Bertelsmann AG began talks Friday to explore ways of combining their music publishing businesses. Their talks come just a month after EMI and Time Warner called off a proposed joint venture due to opposition from European regulators, who feared such a massive music business might harm competition. "We confirm that we approached the board of EMI Group regarding a possible combination of BMG with EMI. The transaction which we proposed does not involve an offer being made for EMI," said Bertelsmann spokesman Oliver Herrgesell. "No detailed discussions have yet taken place and there can be no assurance that the transaction will result."

Dot-Coms Dominate Show
Digital radio may be coming, but the big story at The NAB Radio Show was the Internet. According to NAB, some 90 companies exhibited for the first time, among the 240 or so on hand. Virtually all of the new companies were related in some way to Webcasting, e-commerce, online ventures, Web receivers, ad insertion or other e-spinoffs, and many familiar exhibitors showed products in these areas. Numerous sessions on Internet strategies drew crowds. DAB was certainly part of the show, as attendees got a peek at the new iBiquity Digital Corp. Meanwhile, low-power FM remained a hot topic. NAB officials downplayed new changes to LPFM rules put forth by the FCC. Demonstrations by LPFM supporters provided a theatrical backdrop. NAB President/CEO Eddie Fritts urged broadcasters to support Senate compromise legislation on low-power FM. The Senate bill is companion legislation to a House compromise sponsored by Reps. Mike Oxley, R-Ohio, and John Dingell, D-Mich., that would allow LPFMs but retain all channel protections, including third-adjacent channel rules.

Bayliss Foundation "Dis"honors Larry Wilson
On a foggy night in New York, the Bayliss Foundation gathered several hundred of the radio broadcast industry˙s finest owners, brokers, bankers and advertisers to roast Citadel Communications President and CEO Larry Wilson. The black-tie event was held at the Pierre Hotel. Each year the Bayliss Foundation selects an outstanding broadcaster or industry figure to tease and embarrass before an audience that pays handsomely for the privilege of witnessing the spectacle. Proceeds from the annual Media Roast benefit the Bayliss Radio Scholarship Fund.