More on the previously reported downsizing going on in the US major label sector.
The cuts have begun at Universal's Island Def Jam division, with A&R execs Paul Pontius and Rob Stevenson exiting, and Exec VP Of Promotion Greg Thompson also departing. The major is also ending its relationship with imprint Stolen Transmission, which was founded by Stevenson with blogger and DJ Sarah Lewitinn. She plans to continue Stolen Transmission as an indie though it isn't clear how many of the staff working on it will stay on.
Meanwhile, at SonyBMG US, gossipers suggest up to 70 people could be axed this month, though that comes from a report in Silicon Alley Insider. SonyBMG themselves have not commented on the rumours.