Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 28, 1995 TAG: 9509280056
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Short
The world's biggest entertainment company said it is selling its 50 percent interest in Interscope Records back to the founders of the 5-year-old company, whose artists include jailed rapper Tupac Shakur and alternative rockers Nine Inch Nails. The terms were not disclosed.
Time Warner denied it was bowing to outside pressure. But the decision came just before the release of another violence-laced Interscope rap album that Time Warner had sought unsuccessfully to review for content.
Rap critics praised the decision, saying it vindicated their efforts to force Time Warner to abandon a style of music that glorifies sex, drugs and violence.
``It's a great victory for our children and America's future, and it does show me that Time Warner does have a corporate soul,'' said C. Delores Tucker, head of the National Political Congress of Black Women.
Michael Fuchs, chairman and chief executive of Warner Music Group, explained the decision by saying his company wanted more creative control.
``This decision is not about any particular kind of music,'' he said in a statement Wednesday. Rather, ``the nature of our agreement with Interscope precluded us from any meaningful involvement or discussion regarding Interscope's music.''
Later, in a telephone press conference, he added, ``If we're going to be asked to defend the music we put out, it's going to have to go through the process we have here.''
by CNB