Virgin creates arm for digital music
Audio Holdings to focus on Radio Free site
New company, based in Los Angeles, will focus on delivering music through RadioFreeVirgin.com, the entertainment company's music portal. Previously, music was available only for download via Virgin's e-commerce Web sites.
Radio Free Virgin offers Netizens 23 digital stations to choose from in genres ranging from modern rock to Spanish-language music.
The Netco plans to add 50 more stations to the mix in the next six months, replete with offerings from musicians signed to Virgin's record label. And if that weren't enough corporate synergy, users can listen to music mixed by DJs who perform at Virgin Megastores in London, New York, Tokyo and Paris.
To listen to the music, Netizens must first download Virgin's proprietary media player from the Web site. Player supports both dial-up and broadband speeds, though Mac users are out of luck.
When in use, the player provides users with a link so that they can buy the music they are listening to from Virgin Megastores' online division.
Setting up Virgin Audio Holdings as a separate company allows the fledgling Netco to seek investors separately from its corporate parent.
Virgin Entertainment Group has made a strong 'Net push since the beginning of the year, offering a variety of new-media services. In April, the company offered Netizens the VirginConnect WebPlayer, an Internet device given free to those willing to receive targeted ads on the system.
