Warner Music Group and Sony BMG have inked a deal to develop and distribute platforms for delivering mobile music and multimedia entertainment to wireless customers throughout China and other Asia-Pacific markets.
The two music companies are investing in Access China Media Solutions, a partnership created by Tokyo-based Access Co. and Melodeo of Seattle. Access China Media Solutions develops music-based platforms for wireless carriers and handset manufacturers.
Western companies looking to enter China’s music market have had to navigate piracy-laden territory. Access China Media Solutions is offering next-generation mobile music platforms to be used, for example, for mobile podcasting and full track downloads.
Company hopes to encourage the growth of a legitimate digital music business in China and, beyond that, will foster the creative and economic development of regional music companies, recording artists and songwriters by ensuring they are properly compensated for their work.
"Our participation in this company is an integral part of our overall strategy to innovate and develop the legitimate music marketplace around the world," said Thomas Hesse, president, global digital business, Sony BMG. "This project complements our successful Chinese direct licensing activities for digital music."
In 2000, Warner Music was the first major music company to open a dedicated Chinese office; last year, company struck a catalog-wide content agreement with a Chinese mobile operator.
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