The subheading of the CNN article says it all: '[a href="vny!://money.cnn.com/2006/05/02/technology/apple_itunes/index.htm?cnn=yes"]Four largest record companies defeated[/a] in behind-the-scenes battle to charge different prices for songs; downloads still 99 cents'. This comes the same day as [a href="vny!://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6067585.html"]France backed down[/a] on the posturing over demanding iPod interoperability.
From the France article: "Apple, which did not return repeated phone calls, and other DRM holders doing business in France, are likely elated. While the law must still be voted on, the alterations in the legislation signify willingness by some in the French government to honor the rights of companies that don't wish to share their technology with competitors. Senate debate on the bill begins Thursday.