LONDON-Warner Music continued to expand its digital distribution operations, acquiring a minority stake in Japanese mobile broadcasting FrontMedia.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Warner Music Japan said it is making a capital investment in the year-old firm, which operates an Internet-based audio and video broadcasting platform for carriers NTT DoCoMo Inc., Vodafone Group plc and KDDI Corp. Warner Music will provide content to FrontMedia properties in exchange for the chance to leverage the firm’s mobile applications and carrier relationships. The companies, which have been partners since late last year, will work together to promote the service and develop new offerings.
“Japan has one of the world’s most advanced mobile music businesses, so to be working with such a dynamic and ambitious partner there is extremely exciting,” said Lachie Rutherford, president of Warner Music Asia Pacific.
In addition to its mobile radio programming, FrontMedia powers a full-track download service for DoCoMo.
Warner Music, which recently rejected a $4.2 billion takeover bid from EMI Group, has been actively pursuing digital music opportunities in an effort to shore up sagging CD sales. The company last month struck deals with Korean operator SK Telecom and South African operator Johnnic Communications, and in May teamed with FrontMedia to deliver a live mobile broadcast of a concert by Japanese pop star Ayaka.
