[kjk]

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6530db6e-1...nclick_check=1

Newspaper and magazine publishers are stumbling over key issues, such as sharing subscription revenues, as they consider deals to offer digital versions of their products on Apple’s iPad digital media device.

These talks are in early stages and were considered friendly and continuing, executives familiar with the discussions said. But Apple’s proposals could significantly alter business practices that have protected profits over decades, publishers fear.

Ownership of subscriber information and pricing have emerged as key issues.

Apple’s practice of sharing with its partners little consumer data beyond sales volume is a problem. “Is it a dealbreaker? It’s pretty damn close,” said one senior media executive of a US metropolitan daily newspaper.