Industry Execs Take Leadership Role In Task Force Dedicated To Resolving Issues Surrounding The Business Of Digital Music

Marlton, NJ – December 14, 2009: The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) announces that Christina Calio, Director of Strategic Music Relationships & Business Strategy for the Entertainment & Devices Group at Microsoft, and David Levin, Sr. VP, Business Manager of Digital and Ad Supported Sales at Sony Music Entertainment, will co-chair the NARM Digital Think Tank, a task force that is dedicated to resolving issues surrounding the business of digital music.

NARM’s Digital Think Tank is tackling three broadly defined issues identified by the NARM membership: digital supply chain and operations, metrics and data visualization, and product development. Members serving on the Digital Think Tank include: 7digital, Amazon.com, E1, EMI, IODA, Iris, iTunes, Microsoft, Mix & Burn, Napster, Nokia, The Orchard, Rhapsody, Rhino, Sony Music, Topspin, Universal, Verizon, WEA, and Wind-up.

“We’re very happy to have Christina and David aboard as the first Co-chairs of the NARM Digital Think Tank,” said Bill Wilson, NARM’s Director of Digital Strategy and Business Development who also serves as the Association’s liaison for the Digital Think Tank. “They are thought leaders who bring tremendous expertise in all aspects of digital music commerce to the table, and I look forward to working with them.”

Levin notes, “I’m pleased to represent the content community in NARM’s Digital Think Tank. The constant evolution of the digital marketplace requires innovative thinking and NARM’s efforts to establish best practices amongst the content creators and distribution outlets in this space will help keep this innovation on track.”

Says Calio, “NARM’s Digital Think Tank offers an opportunity to bring together digital entertainment companies that face similar challenges. I’m very happy to be part of this group and look forward to exploring new opportunities as the music business evolves.”

About NARM: NARM advances the promotion, marketing, distribution and sale of music by providing members with diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information and education resources, and advocacy for their common interests. NARM is based in Marlton, New Jersey. Website: www.narm.com.

Media Contact:
Marla Cimini, 856.616.1194, cimini@narm.com