2008 04-23 MediaBytes: MICROSOFT - YAHOO - FCC – CBS – NOKIA – SONY - BMG

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MICROSOFT was not impressed with YAHOO’s earnings call yesterday. A source close to Microsoft is quoted as saying, “Isn’t this the same earnings and growth that got them to $19 per share in January?” Jerry Yang’s position, and I quote: “We will not enter into any deal that does not recognize the full value of this company.”

Ruport Murdoch could be the first to challenge the FCC’s new media ownership laws. The law states that a company can only own one television station and one newspaper in the same city in the top 20 markets. With the acquisition of NEWSDAY, Murdoch would own 2 television stations (WWOR, WNYW) and three newspapers (NY Post, WSJ). Get ready for a showdown between FCC chairman Kevin Martin and Murdoch.

Last week the CBS Evening News recorded its worst five night run in the history of the program. The Evening News with Katie Couric attracted of 5.39 million viewers, down from 6.0 million 2 weeks ago, fueling the ever present “see ya Katie” rumors. Can’t say we didn’t see it coming.

SONY BMG signs on for NOKIA’s “Comes With Music” service, set to launch in the second half of 2008. NOKIA’s service will offer free, 12-month access to music from artists signed to the label, including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and The Boss (Bruce Springsteen). With UNIVERSAL already on board, Nokia now has 2 of the 4 major labels signed up for the program. The service would not only allow users to listen to music, but keep all the music they download during the free 12 month period.