Recording Industry China

Chinese officials have taken a surprising tack in their crackdown on copyright pirates who churn out millions of dollars' worth of bogus compact discs and CD-ROMs, often under the protection of powerful local officials and untouchable gang bosses. In response to Washington's pressure to shut down the factories or allow more U.S. partners to monitor production, the Chinese appear to have put most of the heat on firms here with any American ties, including three with California links.

Chinese officials have taken a surprising tack in their crackdown on copyright pirates who churn out millions of dollars' worth of bogus compact discs and CD-ROMs, often under the protection of powerful local officials and untouchable gang bosses. In response to Washington's pressure to shut down the factories or allow more U.S. partners to monitor production, the Chinese appear to have put most of the heat on firms here with any American ties, including three with California links.

James B. Conkling, former director of the Voice of America and a recording executive who helped create the Grammy awards in music, has died. He was 83. Conkling, who was former president of Columbia Records and founding president of Warner Bros. Records, died Sunday at Sutter Oaks Alzheimer's Hospital in Sacramento. His family said he had suffered from the disease for several years. President Ronald Reagan appointed Conkling to head Voice of America in June 1981.