EMI offers advertising funded video streaming on AOL

by Charlie McCathie, Brand Republic 06-Feb-07, 14:50

LONDON - EMI Music has signed a deal with AOL Europe to launch online music video streaming.

Consumers will now be able to stream music videos free-of-charge via the AOL portal in what AOL is calling advertising-supported agreement, which covers the UK, French and German markets.

All forthcoming new releases will be available for music fans to stream, in addition to music videos from EMI Music's back catalogue.

Digital content provider AOL Europe is hoping to drive repeat visits and enhance its online presence as a result of the deal.

Mike McMahon, senior vice president of commercial and digital media, EMI Music UK, said: "EMI Music is delighted to reach an agreement with AOL Europe to provide video streams to its users.

"We believe that the agreement creates greater scope to promote and profile new artists as well as established acts to AOL users, while at the same time ensuring that EMI and its artists are fairly compensated for their work."

EMI Music expects to benefit from closer links with the AOL editorial team, with additional exposure for EMI's artists via promotional activity such as "Artist of the Month" and "Breakers." Exclusive "AOL Sessions" are also planned, with all recordings to be made available for AOL users to stream.

Consumers will have access to music videos from EMI Music artists including UK artists Coldplay, Corinne Bailey Rae, Norah Jones and Lily Allen, as well as Camille, Diam's and Raphael from France, and Wir Sind Helden and La Fee from Germany.