• Record exec and producer Rick Rubin is in talks to become co-chairman of Columbia Records. His label American has three years left on its deal with Warner Music Group. (Variety.com)

• Patents filed by Apple appear to be an attempt to strengthen its FairPlay DRM and the iPod and iPhone ecoystems. (ITNews)

• Billboard.biz talks to Roger Faxon and Clark Miller of EMI Music Publishing. "The reality of the online world is that it has no borders, and, therefore, the license needs to recognize the expanse of the use territorially." (Billboard.biz)

• VH1 gets into the user-generated content business with its recently launched Talentload.tv. (paidContent)

• Yesterday CBS Radio's WARW-FM/Washington switched to 94.7 The Globe, adding alternative hits to its classic rock format and adding a pro-environment message. (Radio Ink)

• Music promoter Billy Kelly, who was behind Glasgow's Big Big World and Big Big Country, died at the age of 58. (The Herald)