WWEBNET, Universal Music UK Broker Distribution Partnership

Date: october, 2006 (101906)

Universal Music UK has just brokered a distribution and promotional partnership with WWEBNET, a video delivery platform. WWEBNET, which stands for World Wide Electronic Broadcast Network, offers a technology that allows Universal to distribute its video content on websites, portable players, or direct-to-desktop. As part of the deal, various Universal Music-branded, DVD-quality broadcast channels will be crafted, complete with interactive features. "WWEBNET's state-of-the-art technology provides Universal Music with an entertainment operating system that allows our artists to communicate directly and immediately with their fans, and creates a direct-to-consumer broadcast network which is completely under Universal Music's control," said Rob Wells, senior vice president of Digital at Universal Music Group International.

  The various channels will feature music video streams and downloads, as well as artist features, pre-release peeks, backstage interviews, and concert footage. It also allows users to specify their preferences, and receive custom-tailored information. The concept was launched Wednesday with streaming music videos, and the group will deliver extra content and application features in December. Robert Kelly, CEO of WWEBNET, pointed to an increased level of control for Universal, something that labels have been struggling to maintain in the digital era. "This relationship allows Universal Music to have better control over the availability and distribution of its content, as well as how it is delivered to consumers," he said. A one-time download is required prior to watching content.

WWEBNET