CNET reports (via MacRumors) Apple has yet to make any progress on its rumoured streaming radio service, as sources tell them no major deals have been made yet. The details were included at the end of a story focused on Pandora:
The rumors continue to swirl but multiple music industry sources have told CNET in recent weeks that the deal that Apple has offered for iRadio has left the major record companies — Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group — cold.
My sources say that, at a minimum, a deal with all the majors is nowhere near to being completed. Even if Apple sweetens its offer or the big labels change their mind tomorrow, these deals take a while to put to bed. Even in the best case scenario, it will still be a while before we see iRadio.
Numerous reports have noted Apple will debut a streaming music radio service. Back in September the New York Post wrote Apple and Sony/ATV could not come to terms on per-song rights fees; the Wall Street Journal also reported Apple had started licensing negotiations that month. In October, Bloomberg reported Apple will debut its streaming radio service in 2013. If CNET’s sources are correct, it looks like a streaming radio service from Apple isn’t coming to fruition anytime soon.
