• A panel of judges rejected webcasters' requests to reconsider a ruling that increased the royalties they must pay to labels and artists. The one victory for webcasters was the decision to allow royalties to continue to be based on average listener hours. (Billboard.biz)

• Google CEO Eric Schmidt says YouTube is close to incorporating a filtering system, called Claim Your Content. (paidContent)

• Texas officials are planning a $1.5 billion development for the film, TV and music industry in Austin. The first stage of the Villa Muse development will be several sound stages. Negotiations are underway for a 70,000-capacity amphitheater. (AP)

• Sony/ATV acquired the publishing catalog of Leiber and Stoller, which includes such songs as "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "On Broadway" and "Yakety Yak." (Billboard.biz)

• Starbucks is teaming up with Razor & Tie to release a a two-CD compilation of performances from the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival. The release will be available at U.S. and Canada Starbucks and will have a normal, wider distribution. (antiMusic)

• NY Times on shopping via text messaging. I think that would be a great way to buy all sorts of music. A band could put a text code on stage (or around the venue) during its performance. Concertgoers' credit cards would be billed and they'd save their pocket money for the bar. (NY Times, via Julie Ask)