MTV killed video star too?

New York Times critic Kelefa Sanneh has an interesting take on the void of music videos on MTV these days. YouTube, homemade DIY videos (notably Chicago's OKGo), and even MTV.com's own Overdrive portal, she argues, have made videos unnecessary on MTV itself. What do you think?

Bye -bye Mancow, hello... ?

Since Mancow's star fell in mid-July when he was booted off his hometown's rock station, I mean "left to explore satellite radio opportunities", the mornings at Chicago's Q101 have been pretty boring. Today, the station announced their new morning lineup, claiming to be attempting a Daily Show-esque blend of pop culture and comedy. Seems like they're going after quite a different audience, but then again, so is Mancow, with appearances on Fox & Friends and Chicago Tonight. Only time will tell how this will work out for both Mancow, and Q101.

As if one version of the MTV Video Music Awards weren't enough...

They plan to produce four. Now you can watch on MTV, MTV2, online at their website, and via your cell phone. Wonder how this will affect their 14 million viewers...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060827/tv_nm/vmas_dc_1

Wired Magazine September - The Music Issue

Check out the September issue of Wired magazine, now up online. Its the music issue and there's some great articles about Pitchfork's rise to the top and the approach of the Nettwerk label in keeping their business alive. Its all online at
http://www.wired.com/wired/

Era of Tower Records over?

FMQB reports that Tower Records announced its intent to sell the company through a process under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The move is subject to court approval, but it will set in motion a timeline of events that will insure the sale of the company within approximately 60 days of the filing date - by Christmas!

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=261870

Wondering where that radio job is?

A new study from the Future of Music Coalition (FMC) finds that the majority of U.S. cities now have layoffs and lesser growth in wages in the radio industry, thanks to ownership consolidation. The study also points to job losses as a cause of decreases in localism and diversity in the industry.

Read the full report at this link -
http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/index.cfm

Hawthorne Heights Sues Victory Records

Remember that snafu with Victory Records sending out an email urging the Hawthorne Heights fans to hide Ne-Yo's albums in stores? Looks like its come back to haunt them - AllHipHop.com is reporting the band is suing the label.

http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6008

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