NARM News Bits

May 7, 2001, Vol. 1, Issue 6

1. NARM And RIAA To Form New Parental Advisory Task Force

In response to last month's critical Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, NARM and RIAA have announced plans to form a new Parental Advisory compliance task force designed to assist the industry in implementing and meeting marketing guidelines and ensuring ongoing compliance. “We have supported the Parental Advisory program since its inception, and we welcome the opportunity to work with RIAA on improving it,” said NARM President Pamela Horovitz. “We take our responsibility to parents very seriously and are committed to supporting the work of the joint task force in ensuring that all aspects of the Parental Advisory program work well, particularly the newest guidelines that relate to the Internet.”

For more information, visit: http://www.riaa.com/PR_story.cfm?id=413

- Facts & Figures

2. Digital Music Focus Group Consumer Research Available

During the past few months, NARM hired Mercer Management Consulting to conduct qualitative and quantitative research into consumer preferences and behaviors regarding the digital delivery of music as it compares with traditional delivery channels. This research was presented at the “Digital Music Super Session, Part II” during the 2001 NARM Convention & Trade Show this past March in Orlando, Florida. NARM members wanting the focus group video footage that comprised a large portion of the research can borrow a CD-ROM with the one hour of focus group excerpts shown during the Convention presentation, and the complete 13 hours of video on VHS. There is a $75 rental processing fee. Please contact Jim Donio at donio@narm.com to order.

The slides presentations from both the Digital Music Super Session, Parts I & II can be viewed on the NARM Web site:

- Digital Music Session Part I (research from Adams Media Research, Arbitron, Cyber Dialogue, Jupiter Media Metrix, and Webnoize): http://www.narm.com/events/2001 Convention/naylor/3_12_01.html

- Digital Music Super Session, Part II: http://www.narm.com/events/2001 Convention/naylor/3_13_01.html

- Convention

3. NARM Seeks Volunteers For 2002 Convention Committee

Want to put your creative side to work? Volunteer to be a part of the 2002 Convention Committee and assist NARM in organizing another fantastic convention in San Francisco at the San Francisco Marriott, Saturday, March 9, through Tuesday, March 12. NARM is seeking representatives from all sections of the Association’s membership. The Committee will conduct most of its business via e-mail or conference calls and have one face-to-face meeting, which will be during the Fall Conference scheduled for September 12-14 at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Resort in Bal Harbour (Miami), Florida.

If you are interested in serving on the 2002 Convention Committee, contact Linda M. Still, Director of Meetings & Conventions by Monday, May 21, at 856.596.2221, ext. 22, or e-mail her at still@narm.com.

4. Hotel Over-Charge To Be Credited To Attendees

The Orlando World Center Marriott mistakenly charged most of the 2001 NARM Convention attendees a $5.30 per night Resort Fee on their hotel bill. If you were charged this fee, a credit should appear on your credit card statement in the near future reimbursing you for that unauthorized charged. The Orlando World Center Marriott apologizes for this inconvenience. If you have any questions, contact Linda M. Still at still@narm.com.

- Kudos

5. NARM Receives Gospel Music Association Impact Award

The Gospel Music Association honored NARM by awarding it with the Impact Award during GMA’s Gospel Music Week 2001 events in Nashville on April 23. “The Impact Award is one of GMA’s Special that honors those in our industry who go above and beyond to bring Christian music and entertainment to the world,” said Frank Breeden, GMA President. Mainstream sales of Christian music increased last year, thanks in large part to NARM’s merchandising efforts promoting Christian music to general market retailers, especially through the Dove Awards.

For more details, click here: http://www.narm.com/news/Press Releases/2001/April_2001/NARMGMAAward.htm

- Issue Forums

6. Classical Sampler Still Available; Jazz Disc On The Way

NARM’s second Classical CD sampler, A Classical Odyssey, is still available for purchase by NARM retailers. Released on March 27 by the NARM Classical/Jazz Issue Forum, the CD carries a suggested retail price is $1.98. To order the CD, contact Mike Kelley at Naxos of America at 615.771.9393. The fourth Jazz CD Sampler, Jazz Now, will be released June 5 and is being distributed by Ryko Distribution. The Sampler offers 15 tracks and more than 70 minutes of music and, like the Classical Sampler, will have a suggested retail price of $1.98.

For more information, contact Holly Rosum at rosum@narm.com or visit the NARM Web site:

http://www.narm.com/news/Press Releases/2001/March_2001/PR_ClassicalCDSampler.htm

- Membership

7. NARM Welcomes New Members

Click here to see the companies who have recently joined the NARM ranks.

http://www.narm.com/members/New_Members/NM_April_2001.htm

National Association of Recording Merchandisers

9 Eves Drive, Suite 120

Marlton, NJ 08053

Phone: 856.596.2221

Fax: 856.596.3268

Web: www.narm.com