In late 1999, I worked closely with the AFL-CIO to defend German workers targeted by Vodafone in their takeover bid for Mannesmann’s cell phone business. Vodafone argued that so-called 3G technology would make the billions they proposed to spend on the deal worth it. Seven years later, 3G is still largely unavailable and Vodafone lost tens of billions in shareholder value on the deal. Oh, and their CEO is history. The AFL-CIO predicted all this with pretty impressive accuracy.

Fast forward to today’s digital distribution environment for the entertainment industry and we have news of another flameout as Google announces that its video download service has failed. Now Google hopes that it can make a go of the billion or two its spent to buy You Tube (plagued by its own intellectual property rights concerns as it faces lawsuits from content providers). RIght now, the DVD biz is looking pretty good.

Google Video service to go black

This may be one reason employers want the State/Party backed ACFTU in their workplaces in China!

CSR Asia – Workers kill boss over 12 yuan in unpaid wages

The headlines coming from Wall Street these days sing only one tune: the end of cheap credit. That means interest rates are rising and the risks associated with companies that have borrowed heavily or those buyout funds that use leverage to take over companies are headed for tough times. But it may surprise folks to learn that this will impact Hollywood, too, and the timing could not be worse. One of the trends that has not gotten enough attention in the EMI sector is the role of private equity in changing the ownership structure of big media companies. Now the funds that the big studios increasinly rely on to produce films may get more scarce and come with tougher terms. That means heavier going on the financial side of the business just as the Guilds try to make their case in contract negotiations.

Financial Times: Credit Crunch, the movies’ latest drama

I have blogged about the important role that private equity funds play in the global econmy and about their impact on the labor movement. I decided to take a closer look at the nature of PE funds and the impact they are having on corporate governance. A copy of my paper can be accessed here. As it is still a draft, I welcome comments.

SSRN-Beyond the Berle and Means Paradigm: Private Equity and the New Capitalist Order by Stephen Diamond

I have blogged here about the important role that private equity funds now play in corporate America. I decided to take a closer look at the nature of PE funds and the impact they are having on corporate governance. A copy of my paper can be accessed here. As it is still a draft, I welcome comments.

SSRN-Beyond the Berle and Means Paradigm: Private Equity and the New Capitalist Order by Stephen Diamond

I have blogged here about the important role that private equity funds play in the new Hollywood. I decided to take a closer look at the nature of PE funds and the impact they are having on corporate governance. A copy of my paper can be accessed here. As it is still a draft, I welcome comments.

SSRN-Beyond the Berle and Means Paradigm: Private Equity and the New Capitalist Order by Stephen Diamond

Finding a single source that helps keep one abreast of all of the new technological developments that may impact the EMI sector is certainly not easy. I live and work in the heart of Silicon Valley a stone’s throw from the most important VC funds and technology companies in the world and many of my students come from technology companies on their way into law firms that represent tech cos. and I am still amazed at how hard it is to keep track of the changes underway much less sort out their social and political implications.

But I came across this blog on the LA Times site today that is trying to cover this arena and thought I would bring it to everyone’s attention. It is called “Bit Player” (get it?) and as an example it has a couple of posts this week on the very interesting debate about webcasting royalties that is underway. So check it out. I will add a link to it here alongside a few other blogs that I think are helpful in this arena.

Los Angeles Times: Bit Player Blog