Vaizey says digital switchover in radio now unlikely until 2020
As expected, media minister Ed Vaizey yesterday confirmed that the government is in no mood to force digital radio onto the public by setting a deadline for removing key radio stations like the national BBC services from FM so that they would only be available via the DAB network, and other digital platforms like Freeview and the net.

As much previously reported, the radio industry is divided on its digital future. The BBC and the big commercial radio groups are, in the main, pro a full shift to digital, so that DAB would become the primary radio network. DAB has more capacity, so allows the big radio firms to launch sister stations to their existing brands that can increase overall listening figures or listening hours, and to make quasi-national stations - like Global's Capital and Heart brands - which don't reach all regions on FM, properly national

But some smaller radio firms are against a forced switchover to digital, not least because DAB coverage is not yet universal, and while the FM network would remain even after switchover, stations who'd still rely on it fear that that network would become secondary, making it harder to compete where DAB was available. Some also argue that the DAB network will be superseded by net-based audio services even before it becomes fully established, making investing in the medium pointless.

The one thing everyone agrees on, though, is that DAB take-up has been slower than hoped, and too many consumers are still relying on FM, at home and in the car, to justify shifting key services off that network. And any radio firm with at least one FM operation, which is most of them, doesn't want to suddenly lose a slice of its audience as a result of a forced shift to digital, particularly as cars and home stereos become net-connected, making Spotify et al a more direct competitor to traditional radio.

Which is why, despite 2015 being once mooted as a target year for the digital switchover in radio, Vaizey yesterday confirmed that nothing that dramatic will happen until at least 2020. Which a cynic might say is passing the buck a little, given Vaizey won't be the policymaker in this domain by then, but it is almost certainly the least controversial decision the minister could make today.

Of course those who are pro DAB - while not wanting premature switchover - rightly point out that without a fixed deadline in the schedule for some key stations to go digital only (you sense the commercial operators would like the Beeb to go first, so it takes the risk), there is no incentive for consumers to upgrade their home radios and car firms to make DAB in-car systems the norm, which means the shift to digital will continue to be slow. Which means many stations having to pay to broadcast on both FM and DAB at the same time for longer.

Aware of that, Vaizey accompanied his 2020/maybe decision with other commitments that aim to speed up organic switchover. Key to that is a new commitment to further roll-out the DAB network in a new bid to overcome gaps in its reach, and another stab at a second national multiplex which will increase the amount of digital-only content available (assuming someone other than the Beeb is willing to create that content) that should provide a new incentive for consumers to go DAB.

Commenting on his unsurprising decisions regarding digital radio, Vaizey told The Guardian yesterday: "I am not going to impose a solution on people who aren't ready for it. I certainly think by the end of the decade we could be in a position where we are looking at digital being the main platform for radio. We could get to 50% [of radio listening on digital] earlier, but I am looking towards the end of the decade".

Harry Styles secures anti-pap injunction
Harry Styles yesterday won an interesting court order that bans the paparazzi from pursuing the One Direction star in the street or creepily waiting outside his home.

Because let's face it, any tabloid wanting to cover this story already has an entire library of pap shots of Styles to choose from when it comes to photographic accompaniment, including: 'Harry opens his front door', 'Harry closes his front door', 'Harry double locks his front door', 'Harry walks down the steps in front of his house', 'Harry crosses the road to his car', 'Harry unlocks his car and gets in', 'Harry checks his hair in the wing mirror while he puts the keys in the ignition', or my personal favourite 'Harry puts his car into gear'.

I think we can all agree (with perhaps the exception of the Sun's photo desk) that the world doesn't need any more pointless pap shots of Harry Styles, which may or may not have been a factor when judge Nicola Davis issued the injunction yesterday.

It's an interesting court order in that it's not specifically banning anyone from photographing the 1D star, but puts restrictions on those photographers employing stalker-ish tactics to get that all important 'Harry pulls out into moving traffic' shot. It also seems to apply to all and any paps who employ these tactics rather than specifically named photographers, although it is thought four snappers in particular will be identified in due course.

The injunction has the potential to set new precedent with regards how the law can be used to control the paps, although Cheryl Cole and Hugh Grant's baby-mother Tinglan Hong have both previously secured similar court orders. The Styles injunction bans unnamed photographers from pursuing the singer by car or motorcycle, placing him under surveillance or loitering within 50 metres of his home to monitor his movements.

The boy band star wasn't in court himself yesterday, but according to The Guardian his lawyer David Sherborne said: "This is not a privacy injunction. Mr Styles is not trying to prevent fans approaching him in the street and taking photos. He remains happy to do that, as he always has. Rather, it is the method or tactics which have been used by a certain type of photographer".

The current injunction will stand until another court hearing on the matter on 13 Jan. So sorry tabs, no 'Harry opens front door in his Christmas jumper' photos for you.

BMG promotes Casimir to global recordings overseer role
It's been a busy few days for BMG appointments, and this time its Fred Casimir getting promoted to the role of Executive Vice President International Repertoire for the recordings side of the music rights firm.

In his new globally focused role Casimir, who joined the v2 BMG business early on in 2009, will oversee the company's recordings catalogue, which includes the new recordings the firm controls as a result of deals done by its artist services wing, and the master recording catalogues the firm has acquired, including the Sanctuary and Mute archives.

Confirming the appointment, BMG boss man Hartwig Masuch was back on the phone to CMU HQ with these fine words: "Developing our recordings business is a key strategic area for BMG. Fred has strongly contributed to the expansion of BMG's business and to the development of BMG Artist Services. I am delighted that Fred is to take on worldwide responsibility for recordings".

The BPI says people would like music for Christmas, should you still be struggling for gift ideas
Record label trade body the BPI hit the streets recently to ask 2000 people if they'd still like to receive music as a gift, and 67% of them said yes, with Christmas being the most popular time of year for such a thing to happen. So, that's nice. The other 33% just wanted to sit in silence and would quite like it if you'd go and play all those records somewhere else, thank you very much.

Interestingly, over 25% of people asked said that they'd be happy to receive digital music as a present - either as download vouchers, iTunes credit or a streaming subscription - which is up considerably from last time anyone thought to do this research a couple of years ago. Amongst 15-19 year olds and 20-24 year olds, more than half said it would be fine not to get a physical disc as part of their musical gift.

Overall, though, the majority did still want something they could hold and shove into or onto some sort of playing contraption - 57% wanting one of those CD things you used to see, and 7% wanting a piece of altogether cooler vinyl. 59% said they'd also be happy with some kind of record voucher, either for online or high street stores.

Respondents were also asked when they'd like to receive music as a gift, with Christmas coming out the most popular at 48%. For birthdays people were less keen, at 37%. Mothers were slightly more likely than fathers to want music on their respective days (only 10% and 8% though, so maybe you shouldn't all rush out to buy those crappy compilations that get brought out each year), while Valentine's Day, anniversaries and non-specific "religious festivals" came last in the poll.

Commenting, BPI spokesman Gennaro Castaldo told CMU: "Music clearly remains one the gift that's we most value receiving, especially at Christmas. However, while CDs still remain popular gift items, it's interesting that more of us are now happy to receive our gifts in digital form either as download vouchers or as subscriptions to streaming services. There was a time not so long ago when we wanted our music gifts in physical form that we could unwrap, but that seems to be gradually changing, especially among teenagers and people in their early 20s".

Dave Shack named MD of Iron Maiden management firm
Former music journalist turned record label man Dave Shack has now made the move into the world of artist management. He has been appointed Managing Director of Phantom Music Management, which looks after Iron Maiden, reporting to founders Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor.

Shack told CMU: "This feels like where I was always meant to end up after 25 years in the music industry. The opportunity to work with a brand of such power and integrity is a dream come true; the music and catalogue, the Trooper beer, the sold-out tours and the power of their fans and the metal community is unparalleled".

He went on: "What Rod and Andy have achieved with the band is inspiring and I am looking forward to learning from them and helping take one of Britain's greatest ever rock bands into their next phase".

Smallwood founded Phantom Music Management in August 2006, after leaving Sanctuary Records (the company he founded with Taylor in 1979) with Iron Maiden's management contract. Taylor then joined him six months later, shortly before Sanctuary was sold to Universal.

Soundrop launches Android app, revamps Spotify app
'Social listening app' (read this if you've no idea what that means) Soundrop has announced the launch of an Android app and an upgrade of its original Spotify app. And just in time for Christmas.

The Android app means that Soundrop users can now listen to music with friends over the net via their mobile devices, utilising either a Spotify or Deezer premium account. Upgrades to the Spotify app include a new look and feel, and a 'top tracks' option, which replays the music most played in any one 'listening room', allowing listening beyond the actual social experience.

On the launch and revamp, Soundrop boss Jorn Haanaes told CMU: "We're excited to give our fans something to play with over the holidays. We didn't want to send fruit cake, so we figured new apps for Android with support for Spotify and Deezer subscribers, and a new Spotify app, would be better received. We can't wait for everyone to try them and let us know what they think".

Former EMI man becomes CTO of LoveLive
Music content maker LoveLive has expanded its in-house tech expertise by appointing former EMI man Remco Van Stiphout to the role of Chief Technology Officer. In his new role Van Stiphout will "support the development of LoveLive's online platforms and creation of next generation consumer-facing digital products". So there you go.

Confirming the appointment, LoveLive CEO Richard Cohen told CMU: "As we enter the next phase in our strategic growth, the focus is on putting systems and structures in place to achieve true scalability and reach for the business. Building sophisticated market-leading platforms to generate revenue from our vast and growing catalogue of rights cleared music content, and developing innovative consumer-facing digital products, will help us realise these objectives."

He went on: "There is nobody in a better position to lead this process than Remco van Stiphout. The music industry today is powered by technology and innovation, so we are delighted to have him on board. His exceptional background and experience will ensure he will be a massive contributor to our future success".

Beyonce sold a fair few copies of her new album last week
So, apparently releasing your new album without warning and through just one retailer is the way to go if you want get rich quick, and who doesn't want to do that?

It's also worth nothing that charging £12.99 and making your new record only available as a fourteen song/seventeen video set (forcing people downloading to their phones to delete all manner of apps and other music to make room) doesn't seem to be much of a barrier to sales either. At least not if you're Beyonce. I should probably have mentioned that you need to be Beyonce for all this to work earlier.

Yes, Apple has confirmed that Beyonce sold 828,773 copies of her 'surprise' eponymous album in its first three days on sale, breaking all previous records on the download store and becoming the second biggest selling of the year via the download store. 68,000 of those downloads were sold in the UK, while the bulk, 617,213, were purchased by people in the US.

As previously reported, although the album was known to be in the works (for quite some time), it was indeed a surprise when Beyonce suddenly announced that it was not only finished but available via iTunes on Friday morning.

The album is expected to go on sale on CD, as well as arriving on streaming services, later this week, though US retailer Target has said it won't stock it as a result of the firm's famous Sour Grapes Policy - the "release digitally first, and we won't stock your CD" clause.

That is perhaps a little hypocritical, given Target has a long history of doing its own exclusivity deals with artists, including special editions of previous Beyonce albums with extra tracks only available via the retailer. "I put so much into my new album, and only Target gives you all of it", Mrs Carter once proclaimed. Not this time, Bey.

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James Arthur regrets everything he's done
So it's finally sunk in for pop pariah James Arthur that he won't be winning any 'world's nicest person' prizes any time soon. Having said sorry on 'The X-Factor' last month for his previously reported homophobic rap tirade, Arthur has now told The Sun: "I regret everything I've done". But it's all alright, everyone, because they weren't strictly James's fault, the regrettable things, as the fame was to blame.

"All my confidence has disappeared because the whole nation thinks I'm a homophobe who looks like a monster", he tells the tab, adding: "It's been an amazing year for me. There's been some amazing highs but also some lows".

One of those lows is the public's less-than sympathetic reaction to news that Arthur had had a one-night stand with a seventeen year old fan he 'met' on Twitter. Though to clarify following that latest gaffe, claims James - who apparently feels "deep, deep shame" at having slept with the girl - "I'm definitely not a guy who grooms young girls".

Good to know. Wrapping up, James says: "I've made some very silly mistakes. I want to thank the 'X-Factor' for giving me this opportunity. I want to say sorry for abusing my position as an 'X-Factor' winner because I owe everything to this thing".

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Ray Price still alive, contrary to son's RIP statement
The son of country music great Ray Price announced that his father had passed away on Sunday, aged 87, having opted not to receive further treatment for terminal pancreatic cancer. But the thing is, Price is still alive, and his son's statement was issued prematurely, though it's unclear how.

Following widespread news reports that Price - who is currently at his home in Mount Pleasant, Texas - had died, his wife Janie Price was forced to correct the press via Rolling Stone, telling the mag: "He is still with us. It's been an honor to walk this road with him. It's a sad day. We are losing a great man".

Price is best known for songs like 'For The Good Times' and 'Crazy Arms', both of which he released in the 1950s. He recently revealed he'd made a new, twelve-track LP, deeming it "one of the greatest things I've ever recorded".

Price bid goodbye to fans last week, writing via Rolling Stone: "I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years and I hope I haven't let them down. I am at peace. I'm going to be just fine. Don't worry about me. I'll see you again one day".

MCR detail greatest hits LP
My Chemical Romance have said things pertaining to their greatest hits LP, aka their last LP ever, 'May Death Never Stop You'. It'll be released on 24 Mar, one year on from the band's break-up, and will feature, it transpires, the fabled 'Attic Demos', which they made pre MCR's 2002 debut 'I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love', and also one of the last songs they worked on.

Confirming all the above, Ray, Gerard, Frank, Mike say in a bolt-on note: "The title is fitting, because as sad as it was to say goodbye to the band, we look at this collection as a celebration of our best songs, and hope the memory of them continues to bring joy to you all as they have for us. We hope you take the journey with us into MCR's past, and enjoy the small taste of what might have been".

Someone pass me the tissues/sick bucket.

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David Rodigan curates Ministry Of Sound Masterpiece LP
DJ David Rodigan of 'Ram Jam' standing has acted as caretaker on the next edition of Ministry Of Sound's 'Masterpiece' compilations series.

Respectively titled 'Hey Youthman', 'Cool Out Son' and 'Stepping Out Of Babylon', the three-disc selection, Rodigan says, is "a reflection of my life musically, including both the things I grew up listening to and the things I am currently enjoying". It spans all Dave's fave eras and genres, featuring tracks by Marvin Gaye, Small Faces, Bob Marley, Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Amy Winehouse.

Rodi-fans can either wait till 27 Jan, when the collection is released, to check the tracklisting and relevant details, or do it now via FACT.

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Angel Haze drops off new Dirty Gold info
Hip hop 'it' girl Angel Haze has revealed her new and first ever LP, 'Dirty Gold', will be released on 3 Mar, which is a bit of a wait but... what can you do?

She's also shown the world its artwork, and screened the lyric video for its latest single 'A Tribe Called Red'. Look at the latter here.

Jessie J to do Forest Live shows
Jessie J is headed into the woods in summer 2014, to play some of the Forestry Commission's Forest Live shows. So she doesn't get lost, here's a cut-out guide to where and when those concerts will be:

13 Jun: Edwinstowe, Sherwood Pines Forest
20 Jun: Tunbridge Wells, Bedgebury Pinetum
27 Jun: Rugeley, Cannock Chase Forest
5 Jul: Northwich, Delamere Forest

And here is a sentence c/o Jessie, who's still parading about in memory of her second LP 'Alive': "I made my Forest Live debut this summer with just one show which I loved so it's great to be taking in another four Forest Live dates next year... see you there".

Tickets for all four Forest Live dates will go on sale on 19 Dec. And off 'Alive', this is 'Thunder'.

Boy falls off skateboard
It's been a while since Justin Bieber fell off anything (with the exception of 'the rails'), so when he fell off a skateboard the other day it was quite an event.

Not that I'm taking any pleasure in Biebs' pain, or anything - well, maybe a little - but this is all really to highlight his strength, resilience, and shit-hot SOH in dealing with the mishap. And bad sense of balance.

Anyway here it is, happening in a clip that J-B kindly shared via Instagram, adding this inspirational tidbit: "Always get up when u get knocked down".