New York - Vevo, the music video joint venture between Sony Music and Universal Music that will use technology from Google's (NASD: GOOG) YouTube, is set to launch on Dec. 8, the company announced via its Twitter feed. The labels hope the standalone site will help them further monetize their music videos -- which are the most-watched content on all of YouTube. read more

New York - Universal Music Group on Wednesday announced a deal to provide free, legal downloads to Guvera, an Australia-based, ad-supported download site that plans to launch in the U.S. in February. Launched in 2008, Guvera asks users to fill out demographic profiles and brand preferences, and in turn receive free downloads accompanied by targeted advertisements. read more

New York - Major record label Universal Music Group on Wednesday announced a deal with TuneCore, a provider of flat-fee digital music distribution for artists to services like iTunes and eMusic, to create Universal-branded portals where unsigned artists can have their music heard by A&R executives from Universal labels. Three such branded sites have been created, for Interscope Geffen A&M, Island Def Jam and Universal Motown. In addition to distribution to iTunes via TuneCore, artists submitting through the Universal-branded sites will receive "potential access to such coveted major label services as worldwide distribution and marketing." read more

Los Angeles - Nokia (NYSE: NOK) on Thursday announced a promotional partnership with Island Def Jam Music Group and Universal Music Group International, which will exclusively premiere tracks from Rihanna's forthcoming album with Nokia. The deal includes an exclusive, live streamed concert on Nokia websites. Additionally, Comes With Music customers will receive a version of the album with a bonus track and other additional content, while the Ovi Store will offer a Rihanna application with exclusive content. read more

New York - Universal Music Group chairman and chief executive Doug Morris intends to step down from his CEO role next summer, BusinessWeek reports. The company is reportedly grooming international CEO Lucian Grainge to replace Morris, 71, who is expected to remain chairman of the world's largest record label.read more