newsfile.

AOL/TIME WARNER GETS US GO-AHEAD

The AOL/Time Warner merger cleared its final hurdle last Thursday -- almost exactly a year after the $106bn deal was announced -- when the US Federal Communications Commission gave it the green light. The US Federal Trade Commission had given clearance in December, but the FCC wanted safeguards to open AOL's instant messaging service to rival providers.

RAVDEH JOINS WIPPIT

Napster-style UK start-up Wippit, founded by former Xtreme network founder Paul Myers, has recruited industry accountancy and management veteran David Ravden as a non-executive to its board. Ravden is expected to help the company establish trading links with collection societies and labels ahead of its May soft launch.

BPI UNVEILS RED-TAPE PROPOSALS

The BPI's campaign to banish red tape from the record industry moved on a step last week when it delivered proposals to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The Government department was told by the BPI that it could help reduce red tape in the areas of tax and employment legislation. The BPI now wants members to submit examples of bureaucracy they have encountered.

VOSS MOVES UP AT UMI