Showbiz Sandbox 162: Did The Justice Department Destroy The Literary Ecosystem With E-Book Settlement?

Summary: Despite strong opposition from authors, publishers, retailers and the public, the U.S. Department of Justice settled their anti-trust case with three major publishers over e-book price fixing. Even an explanatory comic strip from a well regarded copyright attorney couldn’t prevent a ruling that some industry analysts say will enable Amazon to dominate the market. However, not all involved parties have settled, with Apple, Macmillan and Penguin awaiting trial on the charges. The headlines weren’t any better for the movie business, where theatrical attendance over the past weekend was the worst on record in more than 10 years. It probably doesn’t help that Fox announced they would make movies available for digital download shortly after they hit theaters. On the other hand, magazine publishers have a lot to cheer about for a change, especially when it comes to the skyrocketing sales of overseas titles. Of course we cover all the week’s top entertainment news including the return of ratings powerhouse “Sunday Night Football”, Daniel Craig’s future as James Bond and why the Oscars telecast will be singing a new tune next year. 'The Possession' Leads The Worst Weekend In Over A Decade http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/09/09/box-office-report-possession-worst-weekend-in-a-decade/ (http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/09/09/box-office-report-possession-worst-weekend-in-a-decade/) 'Expendables 2' Retakes 1 Spot in Anemic Overseas Session Thanks To China Returns http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foreign-box-office-dark-knight-rises-bourne-legacy-expendables-2-368962 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foreign-box-office-dark-knight-rises-bourne-legacy-expendables-2-368962) Venice 2012: Jury President Michael Mann Explains 'The Master' Voting Decisions http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/venice-2012-master-paul-thomas-anderson-michael-mann-368917 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/venice-2012-master-paul-thomas-anderson-michael-mann-368917) Fox To Offer Digital Movies Closer To Theatrical Release http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/business/media/fox-to-offer-digital-movies-closer-to-theater-release.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/business/media/fox-to-offer-digital-movies-closer-to-theater-release.html) VOD vs. DVD Battle Goes Day-And-Date In Australia http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/vod-vs-dvd-battle-goes-day-and-date-in-australia/ (http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/vod-vs-dvd-battle-goes-day-and-date-in-australia/) A Work of Art: Bob Kohn Submits DoJ Amicus Brief as Comic Strip http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53819-a-work-of-art-bob-kohn-submits-doj-amicus-brief-as-comic-strip.html (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53819-a-work-of-art-bob-kohn-submits-doj-amicus-brief-as-comic-strip.html) U.S. Attorneys Are Not Impressed By Bob Kohn’s Comic Brief http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53841-u-s-attorneys-are-not-impressed-by-bob-kohn--s-comic-brief-.html (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53841-u-s-attorneys-are-not-impressed-by-bob-kohn--s-comic-brief-.html) Federal Judge Approves Settlement in DoJ E-Book Case http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53870-federal-judge-approves-settlement-in-doj-e-book-case.html (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/53870-federal-judge-approves-settlement-in-doj-e-book-case.html) Judge Sends 'Smallville' Vertical Integration Lawsuit to Trial http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/judge-smallville-vertical-integration-warner-alfred-gough-miles-millar-367923 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/judge-smallville-vertical-integration-warner-alfred-gough-miles-millar-367923) DreamWorks Animation Reveals Unprecedented 12-Picture Slate http://www.hollywoodreporter.