Viacom, Lycos, rivals hear the music

 

latest developments

Viacom's MTV Interactive will relaunch its online music sites--including MTV, VH1, and SonicNet--while streaming audio company AudioBase prepares to announce a series of deals with companies such as Sony. Meanwhile, Lycos jumps into the white-hot sector. "This is our first big gear shift into the Net economy." - Fred Seibert, president of MTV Networks Online and chairman of MTVi

Viacom's MTV makes major Net music drive Overhauling its network of music Web sites, MTV Interactive is making its most aggressive move yet to rule the Net the way its brands have dominated television. Lycos launches music Web site update Following similar initiatives among its competitors, the company's Web site combines digital downloads, CD sales and music-related content. AudioBase inks music deals with Sony, others The streaming audio provider will announce deals with at least a half-dozen companies to offer Web surfers access to online music previews without a third-party media player. previous coverage Launch releases desktop music player The digital music and lifestyle company releases a beta version of its proprietary desktop music player, which lets users create personal Net radio stations. Softbank makes play for Web music market The Japanese Internet investor extends its reach to the popular Web music business, announcing plans to distribute songs on the Internet at a fraction of the price of store-bought CDs.