SCA launches digital music JV with Sony and Universal

It was starting to get obvious which way radio was heading when DMG teamed up with Rdio and ARN with iHeart. Now, confirming radio's determination to be at the forefront of digital music delivery, SCA has teamed up with two of the world's biggest record companies Sony Music and Universal Music Australia to push further into digital platforms.

The new joint venture, called Digital Music Distribution promises to create the capacity to provide exceptional digital music opportunities to the Australian market.

The first example of the possibilities ahead is the soon to be launched on demand digital music subscription service that has been designed and made in Australia with music lovers in mind. The service will offer subscribers the ability to have easy access to millions of tracks through a range of channels including - online, mobile, ipad, sonos and smart TV.

Apart from that, MD develops and operates digital music delivery solutions for a range of applications – both small and large customers, brand partners and to additional media suppliers that deliver services to commercial venues.

DMD currently supplies the content for 29 of Foxtel's residential audio music channels as well as providing content to Satellite Music Australia for their hotel and club service and various retail outlets.

Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music Entertainment, welcomed the new collaboration at the recent signing,“This is a ground breaking day for the music industry and its consumers. This JV with Sony, Universal and SCA provides DMD with outstanding capacity to further develop dynamic digital music services and provide unique entertainment experiences to the Australian music public. The industry is characterized by constant innovation and Sony Music is incredibly proud of this outstanding local initiative.”

George Ash, UMA Managing Director said, “This is a great day for the Australian music and entertainment scene. The combined expertise of Universal, Sony and SCA will bring unique approaches to music and entertainment delivery in the Australian market and we are proud to be a cornerstone in that process.”

Rhys Holleran, SCA CEO added, “We are delighted to be able to enhance music and entertainment experiences for our audiences and introduce even more innovative solutions for our customers. We have long and successful relationships with both Sony and Universal through our national radio network which has been the catalyst for us all to join forces through DMD to deliver what we plan to be Australia's best digital music entertainment experiences.”

PICTURE: SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO, SONY MUSIC AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC CELEBRATE THE JV (LEFT TO RIGHT)

              Stephen Kelly, Chief Financial Officer, SCA

              Emmanuel Candi ,General Manager, Business Strategy & Human Resources, ANZ and   EVP, Human Resources, Asia, Sony Music

              Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music

              George Ash, Managing Director, UMA

              Rhys Holleran, Chief Executive Officer, SCA

              Melanie Mercer, VP Finance and Operations Australasia, UMA

              Raani Costelloe, General Manager, Legal & Business Affairs, Sony Music

              Andrew Smith, General Manager, Finance & Operations, ANZ and EVP, Finance & Operations, Asia, Sony Music