WMG Set To Broaden DRM-Free Offering

EXCLUSIVE: As Digital NARM opens in San Francisco today, sources are pointing towards Warner Music Group broadening its DRM-free mp3 offering beyond Amazon. Variable pricing appears to have been a major reason for the hold-up including demands by WMG, Sony BMG and Universal for higher prices for new and hit product.

With WMG dropping demands that most download stores would not agree to, plus mp3's from EMI and the indies, a tipping point should be near that forces Sony BMG (who are rumored to be close to following WMG's lead) and Universal (whose offering is unpredictably selective) to follow.