Hmm...business to focus on profitable lines, drops non-core products and projects. Film at 11:00...
Folks, this is the way of the world. If they can't make money doing it, they won't do it. VERY few businesses are able to survive as a collective of artists who aren't concerned about profit and make what they want out of a sense of purity.
Successful companies do what they are good at, and what will enable them to thrive. Think General Electric for a moment - back in the day, practically every small appliance in my house was G.E. They determined at some point that they couldn't make money at it and still be the #1 or #2 producer, so they spun it off (to Black & Decker...that one always cracks me up. The Black & Decker toaster oven!!
).
If you want an interesting model for the modern audio company, look no further than Harmon International. Among many other names under their umbrella, consider Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity, Revel, Audioaccess, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Madrigal Imaging, Proceed...and AKG!! They have staked out a niche in audio, and proceeded to make smart acquisitions that fit within their business plan.
Now consider Sony...they have their fingers in WAY too many pies IMHO. The best thing that they could do for our community is spin-off their audio business and let it stand on its own. That would be good for everyone.