Radio Free Virgin yesterday announced a strategic partnership with RioPort to allow the purchase of digital downloads of tracks and albums on Radio Free Virgin.
When the digital download service launches at the end of July, consumers will be able to access a digital download store on the Radio Free Virgin site. When a listener hears a song or album that he or she likes, they can easily purchase a single download or entire digital album, provided by RioPort, or a hard copy via the Radio Free Virgin store. RioPort is the first digital service provider to form agreements with all five major labels for commercial digital distribution of their download catalogs.
“Providing consumers with the ability to ‘click and own’ music while they’re listening to radio is a great way to add value,” said Jim Long, president and CEO of RioPort, Inc. “Consumers need a variety of choices in how they discover, try, and buy music online. We’re looking forward to working with Radio Free Virgin to leverage this and other viable distribution models as the market for online music continues to evolve.”
“With RioPort we’re providing our millions of listeners with the instant gratification of being able to own the music they hear through our network,” stated Zack Zalon, general manager of Radio Free Virgin. “Radio Free Virgin is the digital broadcasting company that listeners turn to for superior programming across all genres of music. Bringing Radio Free Virgin and RioPort together is a fantastic opportunity to convert digital entertainment from a passive to a more interactive and engaging experience.”