News release
February 16, 2005
3, the UK's first and largest video mobile network, today announced that more than 10 million music videos have been watched by its customers on their mobiles since the launch of its video jukebox service only 6 months ago.
It is also announced that 3 has entered into a new agreement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT UK. Last July BMG UK & Ireland was the first major record company to sign a deal for its artists with 3 and since that time the company has merged with Sony Music in the process creating SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.
This new deal will now double the list of artists whose music videos are available for fans to download or stream onto their video mobiles and from this week, global stars such as Destiny's Child together with UK signings that include Lemar, Manic Street Preachers and the Zutons will be amongst those added to the video jukebox service.
They join the likes of Kasabian, Rooster, Britney Spears, Usher and Brit-nominee Natasha Bedingfield - who has emerged as the most popular UK artist on the service.
3's Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Jones said: "Thanks to our innovative jukebox service, we've created a significant mobile audience for music videos in just six months. We're offering the latest music videos, on demand, straight to your mobile, and our customers are lapping it up."
Clive Rich, Senior Vice President, SONY BMG Music Entertainment UK said: "The company has been at the forefront in recognising the potential of this format. It's clear now that there is huge consumer demand for mobile music and it is our policy to deliver our artists' videos and music to their fans anyway, anyhow, anywhere - at any time. This market will continue to grow and it is entirely logical for us to renew the original agreement following last year's merger of BMG and Sony Music."
For further information, please contact:
3 Media Office on 0207 350 5696
Jonathan Morrish Tel: 020 7436 3633 email: jonathan.morrish@outside-org.co.uk
Notes to editors
The number of watched videos includes both those downloaded and streamed over 3's network.
Big hits on 3's video jukebox in 2004 include:
Most watched International artist - Britney Spears
Most watched British artist - Natasha Bedingfield
Most watched International video - Eric Prydz's Call on Me
Customers on 3 can download or stream music videos on demand, whenever they are in 3G coverage. 3's 3G or video coverage reaches over 80% of the population, the most comprehensive 3G network coverage in the UK. 3 launched the first video jukebox in August 2004. The jukebox offers music video content from SonyBMG artists, plus a range of independent artists.
About 3
Hutchison 3G UK Limited deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move.
3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy and Sweden. 3 also holds UMTS licences in Ireland and Norway. For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk or call the 3 Media Office on 0207 350 5696.
Three facts about 3:
- 3 is the UK's first video mobile network.
- 3 is the UK's fastest growing mobile network. Over 2.5 million customers in the UK now have access to 3's range of 3G services, from video messaging and video calling to watching full-length music videos and goals from Barclays Premiership football.
- 3's network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 81% coverage for video services.
About SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.