RealNetworks, MTV Networks and Verizon Wireless have partnered to create a digital music service that users can access using their PC, portable music device or mobile phone.
As part of the partnership, MTV Networks and RealNetworks are creating a new company, Rhapsody America, whose offering will be the exclusive digital music service for Real and MTV Network’s music and pop culture brands in the U.S.
Real and MTV Networks have formed a long term relationship with Verizon Wireless, in which the companies will be partners in bringing users digital music to their PCs and their mobile phones. Rhapsody will be fully integrated with Verizon’s Vcast Music.
MTV Urge customers can use their existing accounts to log in to Rhapsody to use the service starting today.
Verizon has plans to add functionality that sends a duplicate copy of songs purchased over the air directly to a users Rhapsody account
“By bringing together the cultural and musical heritage of the MTV Networks family with the functionality of Rhapsody and the reach of V Cast Music, it’s like we’ve put the best lead singer, drummer and guitarist all on the same giant stage, allowing music fans to experience the purest music play in any way they want,” said Van Toffler, President of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group.
“The new Rhapsody will build on the musical curation of Urge and have the marketing power of MTV, VH1 and CMT behind it, ensuring this new platform is front and center in the hearts and minds of music lovers.”
