INTERVU and GetMedia Form Strategic Alliance

INTERVU (http://www.intervu.net) and e-commerce provider GetMedia ( http://www.getmedia.com) annouced that they were partnering to enable radio stations to sell music while streaming their signal.

GetMedia provides stations with a Java-based applet on their homepage that is linked to the station's play list and is updated while each song is being played. The applet displays the song title, artist name, CD title and cover art. Users can get more information, listen to audio samples, or purchase the CD in a secure, password-protected environment. GetMedia handles all installation, orders, customer service and fulfillment on behalf of the radio station.

The companies have married their services to package INTERVU's streaming audio and GetMedia's e-commerce services to broadcasters and radio stations.

"According to a recent Arbitron report, 42% of those surveyed believe that a key function of radio stations' Internet strategies is having the ability to sell music and other products and services from their Web sites," said Ed Huguez, chief operating officer of INTERVU. "Our new alliance with GetMedia is making this demand a reality for broadcasters and Internet users. In addition, our joint solution will assist radio stations in building a new revenue stream."

GetMedia's e-commerce service is free to broadcasters--the company simply takes a cut of each e-commerce transaction. But it's a good deal for radio stations that might not have a way to tap into their listener base and provide e-commerce opportunities.