UMG pulls content from MTV.com

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UMG pulls content from MTV.com

LOS ANGELES, Universal Music Group, in a dispute over licenses with MTV.com, has pulled most of its artists' music videos from U.S. cable network MTV's Web site.

For years UMG conducted direct licensing talks with MTV, but it now is directing all negotiations to go through the Vevo joint venture, which includes Sony Music Entertainment. An undefined "hang-up" in negotiations prompted UMG to pull its content from MTV.com as well as VH1.com and CMT.com, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

"For almost 30 years, we have enjoyed long and colorful partnerships with all the music labels, including UMG and their talented roster of artists on MTV, VH1 and CMT," MTV said in a statement.

"During our recent discussions with Vevo, we were unable to reach a fair and equitable agreement for rights to stream UMG artists' music video content. As a result, UMG has elected to pull their music videos from our Web sites. We are disappointed by this move and sincerely hope that UMG will work with us toward a fair resolution and allow their artists to once again connect with the millions of music fans who visit MTV.com, VH1.com and CMT.com every month."

UMG said in a statement that "MTVN has been unwilling to negotiate a fair syndication deal with Vevo to carry our artists' videos and consequently our videos will not be shown on their online properties."

No content has been pulled from MTV's television programming.

Vevo Chief Executive Officer Rio Caraeff said negotiations were ongoing.
 
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