SONY MUSIC EXEC ROB STRINGER GETS CALLED OUT!

Sony Music Label Group chairman Rob Stringer doesn't need to worry about his job just yet. But he may want to avoid fishing trips.
In the wake of critical print and Web reports about the labels under his leadership, music industry insiders have branded the exec with a sly nickname: "Fredo" - as in the weakest Corleone son in "The Godfather" saga. The moniker refers to the fact that Stringer works for his older brother, Sony Entertainment CEO Howard Stringer.

We first heard the nickname Monday from a music industry insider who cited The Hollywood Reporter's eye-opening Nov. 17 story on Stringer's hiring - and firing - of volatile Epic Records president Amanda Ghost as evidence that he has "underperformed" as a leader.

A Google search found that outspoken digital music entrepreneur Wayne Rosso nominated Stringer for the "Fredo Corleone Award." In his blog, he said he plans to award the honor to the music industry's "most moronic figure of the month."

Rosso nominated Stringer for his role in the Ghost debacle and his deal with Columbia Records co-chair Rick Rubin, who is reportedly departing. In another post, Rosso wrote "Sony Music has reportedly lost over $50 million" on the Rubin deal.

A Sony insider defends Stringer, noting that "he's got the No.1 album" (Susan Boyle) "and the No. 1 single" (from "Glee") on the charts now.

Industry insiders also say Rob is protected because of his big bro. If push comes to shove, they predict, Howard will have someone else handle the hit - most likely Sony Music Entertainment CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz's successor.

Just like Michael did with Fredo.