New CEO faces up to the Alliance's challenges.

Having replaced Adam Singer as MCPS-PRS Music Alliance's new CEO, Steve Porter outlines his vision for the future of the music industry and the Alliance's place within it

You have beaten approximately 200 applicants to win your new role as CEO of the Alliance. How will it vary from your previous job as managing director?

It's completely different. As managing director, it was very much about running the company and getting the best result you possibly can here and now. The CEO role is very different. I need to pass down the running of the company to others and step up in terms of leadership, strategy, vision and where we are taking this organisation going forward.

With the position vacant for six months, following Adam Singer's departure last year, you must have some key priorities?

It would be wrong of me on the second day to make any great claims. I need to spend time working out what the key priorities are. Among the top issues is looking at how we ensure the Alliance is relevant in the brave new world. As business models change and the music industry transforms, how do we make sure the Alliance does what our members need it to do? Then there is music industry unity. Over the past few years, there has been a certain amount of infighting that has not been helpful.

When do you expect to hear the outcome of the tribunal between the Alliance and AOL, Yahoo! and Real Networks?

Originally they were talking about late March or early April, but it would seem it is taking longer to put together ...