Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web:

How the major labels kept control: Forbes took a deep dive into the recent actions of the major music labels. The piece examines the involvement of Warner, Universal, and Sony in streaming and online music startups. According to the publication’s calculations, “the three labels have amassed positions in digital music startups valued at almost $3 billion–or around 20% of the $15 billion or so the labels are collectively worth.” A good read on these powerful players in the music space.

Podcasting as the new business tool: It’s not uncommon for businesses to want to jump on the bandwagon of the hot new thing in online communications, and right now, that hot thing is podcasting. Daily Commercial News rounded up some of the ways companies and professionals of all stripes are exploring the business uses of podcasts.

Radio France’s ongoing strike and media support: The Washington Post checked in on the ongoing strike happening in French public radio. Radio France’s broadcast staff has been on strike to protest cost cutting for nearly a month, making it the biggest and longest such action at the network. The strike has garnered support and coverage from many other French media outlets, with several emphasizing how the impact of the strike confirms radio’s importance to news and culture in the country.