Universal partners with Imeem for free streaming music

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 10 Dec 2007 at 17:37

Universal Music Group has signed an agreement with Imeem to provide users of the social networking site with free streaming of its digital music supported by advertising.

Universal is the fourth major music company to strike a deal with the website, and follows in the footsteps of Warner Music Group, EMI Music and Sony BMG Music.

Imeem, which claims to have more than 19 million users, allows users to create profiles and upload MP3 files to create playlists, which they share.

Major record companies, including Universal, have been trying to strike a balance between curbing online piracy and forming partnerships with industry newcomers as they look for new ways to promote and distribute music to fans.

"Imeem has developed an innovative way to make our artists' music a central part of the social networking experience," says Doug Morris, Universal Music Group's chairman

"They've done so the right way, by working with Universal Music Group to provide an exciting musical experience for consumers, while ensuring that our artists are fairly compensated."