MySpace launches online music service

AFP, April, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — MySpace is creating a free music Internet service with major recording labels to go head to head with digital giant Apple, whose iTunes has just claimed the crown as world's largest music store.

The leading social networking website on Thursday unveiled MySpace Music, a joint venture with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group.

MySpace Music will build on the News Corporation-owned website's MySpace Music Channel and weave new services into online profile pages of more than five million musicians.

Income methods will include selling digital music downloads buyers can freely copy, along with ring tones for mobile telephones, concert tickets and band merchandise.

"We look to music as an area where we want to do something huge; something historical," MySpace chief operating officer Amit Kapur told AFP.

"We plan to really change the game entirely."

The Music Channel ...