‘Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire’
"Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire."
That’s how Kevin Doran kicks off his take of an LA Times story explaining how Interscope, "leaped to the front of the pack Wednesday in the scramble for market share – and bragging rights – two weeks before the end of the holiday shopping rush".
In his digital entertainment news, Doran writes:
"Universal Music Group has persuaded SoundScan to put all the records sold in 2003 by the still officially unacquired Dreamworks label into the year-end tally of its Interscope label to allow the flagship to retain its ‘market share leader’ status.
"The traditionally biggest selling label for the biggest selling record group, Interscope, was – until last week – having a lousy year. Now with Dreamworks’ 8 million units, it vaults safely back into the lead. Did we mention that UMG still doesn’t actually own Dreamworks yet until the Feds clear the sale?
"Details, details – but close enough for rock’n'roll.
"So, how does something like this happen?
"Easy – UMG is one of just five core clients which SoundScan depends on for its revenue. And, of course SoundScan’s #1 (with a bullet) rule is that the customer is always right.
"In other words, even if you think you own Dreamworks, you can tell SoundScan where to put it.
"Said one exec in the LAT: ‘This is everything that’s wrong with the record business.’
"Everything?
"Not even close."
