Wanted to asked a question in regards to the ATV/Beatles Cat.

**qbee** · 30-12-2008, 10:20 PM

Here is some more info I gathered from the Sony ATV site
Everytime you see the words Sony ATV Think Michael Jackson

Publishing is one part of the music industry that is not sinking into the ocean. In fact, it continues to grow. Publishers collect a small royalty each time their songs are featured in films, advertisements, concerts, wind-up toys and now video games, among other uses.

As half-owner of Sony/ATV, Mr Jackson holds broad sway over a catalogue that boasts roughly half a million songs, including more than 200 Beatles classics. The Leiber and Stoller catalogue, which includes Elvis's "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock". Sony/ ATV has also aquired for $350m Viacom's Famous Music Publishing catologue, which boasts the soundtracks to Paramount films such as The Godfather.

Famous Music is one of the world’s largest independent music publishers, and this acquisition, following on the heels of the Leiber Stoller acquisition, further enhances Sony/ATV’s position in the global music publishing industry," said Rob Wiesenthal, Chief Financial Officer, Sony Corporation of America.

"This is a milestone event for Sony/ATV Music Publishing," said Michael Jackson. "The diverse collection of songs in this catalogue range from timeless classics to contemporary hits, and I am pleased to add the acquisition of Famous Music to Sony/ATV."

The Famous Music catalogue is a world-class asset filled with evergreen songs that people know and love," said Martin N. Bandier, Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing. "The depth and breadth of the catalogue is what truly makes it great, and I strongly believe that the addition of the Famous catalogue and its songwriters to Sony/ATV is another step in our long-range growth plans. In addition, we are pleased to be entering the production music business through Famous’ Extreme division. Extreme’s valuable creative team and unique business model will be a terrific complement to our core music publishing business."

Sony/ATV also foresees an eventual windfall from a host of new social networks, such as MySpace, which are ramping up their music offerings and will have to pay royalties. They are also focusing on Sony/ATV's most valuable asset - its trove of Beatles songs. Apple and Sony/ATV have licensed Beatles compositions for use in American Idol , a Las Vegas show and a Hollywood film. They are closing in on a multi-million dollar deal to create a Beatles-themed video game.