MUSIC label EMI is in talks to release a large portion of its music catalogue for sale by download, without technological protection against piracy. One source familiar with the matter said that EMI was in talks to release a large amount of its music in an unprotected MP3 format to various online retailers. Another industry source said EMI was seeking large advance payments from retailers in return for the right to sell its music in this format.
The second industry source also said EMI was in talks with Snocap, a company founded by Napster creator Shawn Fanning, to release music in MP3 format on News Corporation"s popular MySpace social networking site. An EMI spokeswoman said the company does not comment on speculation. A spokeswoman for MySpace declined comment. A SnoCap spokeswoman said there was "no deal" but declined comment on any specific talks. "Snocap has a great relationship with all the major labels and talks with them frequently," she said in a statement.