As reported in Associated Press, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is working with Creative Artists Association (CAA) to create its own music label. The idea is to record musical and music-theatre performances created for, and broadcast on, public television stations. Prime time and children's programming are especially under consideration. Asked about the joint venture, PBS vice president of licensing and distribution Ann Blakey told Playbill On-Line (Aug. 8) the project was still far too preliminary to discuss plans for specific recordings. Asked how musical theatre would figure into the mix, Blakey said, "Sure, if it made sense, we'd love to do soundtracks [sic] from the theatre performances we do. It's all a little premature, though."

Asked how CAA, a talent agency, would figure in with the project, Blakey said, "They have a lot of clients in the music business and are well connected to record companies and those in the music world."

--By David Lefkowitz