CMA Town Meeting Addresses New Music & Media Models; Frances Preston To Keynote Summit Nov. 8 In Nashville.

Entertainment Editors

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

Back by popular demand, CMA will present a Town Meeting for the entire Nashville music industry in November. The event entitled "Navigating New Music & Media Business Models," will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov.8 (2:00-6:30 PM, EDT) in the East Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

This year's meeting will open with a keynote address by BMI President/CEO Frances Preston and features two dynamic sessions: "Tuning In The New Radio Spectrum" and "Catalysts In Music's Digital Realm: Change Agents Impacting The Industry."

"We are delighted to welcome to Nashville many of the leading minds and voices in technology from around the country," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "Several of these innovators are making their first public appearances in Nashville. Nearly all of our traditional models are being challenged, and we're going to examine two of the most critical issues affecting us today. It will be a great learning and networking experience for all of us."

Town Meeting Task Force Chairman Jeff Walker added, "Since our sold-out event in 1999, we've been surveying the needs and interests of Music Row for this year's meeting. The major changes in radio and in the new media environment are top of mind. The players coming to Nashville in November are eager to share their visions, latest developments and business perspectives. No one should miss this important afternoon."

Tickets are $25 for CMA members and $40 for non-members. Complete information and registrations can be found online at www.CMAworld.com beginning today. Faxable registrations are also available by calling 615/244-2840. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Following is the schedule and description of the Town Meeting:

OPENING KEYNOTE: Frances Preston, President/CEO, BMI

SESSION 1: Tuning In The New Radio Spectrum

Radio's traditional signal-keepers have begun to face a storm of competition from satellite and "wireless" Internet broadcasters. Surfing the radio airwaves in the new Millennium promises exhilarating choice, but for music marketers, these technologies could create a confusing fog of channels that could make it difficult to deliver hits. Is there a pot of gold at the end of this new radio spectrum?

Tuning In The New Radio Spectrum Panel:

Lon Helton, Nashville Bureau Chief, Radio & Records (moderator)

Lee Abrams, Senior Vice President/Programming, XM Satellite Radio

Brian Bickford, Senior Vice President/Business Development,

BroadcastAmerica.com

Joe Capobianco, Senior Vice President/Content, Sirius Satellite

Radio

Jim Gable, President, Kerbango Internet Radio 

Rick Torcasso, Vice President/Content and Media Development, Clear

Channel Communications

SESSION 2: Catalysts In Music's Digital Realm: Change Agents

Impacting The Music Industry

The traditional business structures for record companies and radio stations are gradually, but inevitably, facing a sea of change in the way consumers gain access to artists and songs. The driving forces of technology, consumer choice and venture capital investment are creating a rising tide of lawsuits, as recording and publishing industry traders seek to protect their copyrights. Who are today's captains of industry? This session unfurls maps to a new harbor for commerce.

Catalysts In Music's Digital Realm Panel:

Marilyn Gillen, Executive Editor/New Media, Billboard (moderator)

David Pakman, co-founder and Senior vice President of Business

Development, MyPlay.com

Kevin Conroy, Chief Marketing Officer and President/New

Technology, BMG Entertainment

Ken Krasner, President, Electric Artists

This year's Town Meeting is part of CMA's ongoing Music Industry & New Technologies (MINT) Series.

For more information about CMA, visit us on the Internet at CMAworld.com