p2p news / p2pnet: The line forms on the right, babe, and in this case, it indicates which side of the corporate music fence MTV favours.

“Shunning leader Apple Computer,” MTV Networks says it’ll launch URGE next year with the help of Bill and the Boyz, says the Los Angles Times.

At this point in time, there is no online corporate music business. But there will be. Eventually. And MTV figures Microsoft has the edge.

MTV is, “betting that its global reach through more than 100 channels will vault URGE over competitors,” says the story. “MTV plans to offer music videos, television shows and 2 million song tracks through a monthly subscription service or individual sales.”

For Microsoft, “the alliance with MTV could bolster its efforts to provide the infrastructure for an array of online music services,” the LA Times states. “The company has a long - and thoroughly litigated - history of establishing itself in new markets. Its Explorer Internet browser overwhelmed Netscape’s Navigator and it spent billions to secure a credible spot for its Xbox video game console.

“But some analysts said MTV could run into problems if URGE is overly commercial or doesn’t work as seamlessly as iTunes.”

URGE backers include Lyor Cohen, chairman and ceo of Warner Music, and “a triumvirate of warblers”, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin and Gretchen Wilson, says Forbes.

But there may be a problem. Also in a supporting role is Clive Davis, North America chairman and chief executive of Sony BMG.

The labels and the mainstream media may be pretending the appalling Sony BMG DRM disaster where the company tried to invade consumers’ computers via music CDs loaded with spyware isn’t happening. But the on- and offline listening public knows differently.

Meanwhile, “Additional details of the new service will be unveiled in January,” adds the story.

Also read:-
Los Angles Times - MTV Plugs Into Microsoft for Music Download Service, December 13, 2005
Forbes - Redstone’s MTV Teams Up With Microsoft , December 13, 2005
isn’t happening - World Press corps ignores Sony scandal, December 13, 2005

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