U.S. is reviewing Apple, Amazon digital music pricing
The Justice Department has started reviewing the pricing and promotion of digital music by Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Four music labels — EMI Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group — were contacted by Justice Department officials several weeks ago, sources said.
Investigators had asked about the labels’ participation in Amazon’s program that gives discounts on albums and songs a day before the music is released widely in stores and on other music sites. The Justice Department wanted details on whether Apple leaned on the labels to discourage them from participating in Amazon’s program, sources said.
Sources stressed that the inquiry appeared to be in the early stages. Neither Amazon nor Apple immediately responded to requests for comments. A Justice Department spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.