Metro moves into downloads

Metro said that metrotunes.co.uk is the first permanent music download service offered by a national newspaper in the UK.

Individual tracks will cost 99p per download- 20p more than market leader iTunes- while albums will start from £6.99.

The service, developed in association with Affinity Music, is compatible with both Macs and PCs and does not require any software downloads.

Tracks can be purchased using a mobile phone via SMS as well as credit card.

Metro has not specified the number of tracks available on the service, but said it was updating its catalogue every day. Artists currently available on Metrotunes include The Streets, Norah Jones, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, David Gray, Radiohead and Robbie Williams.

Saleem Bhatti, head of commercial development, said Metro decided to launch a download service following three years of consumer research.

“Our Urban Life research shows that Metro readers are big music fans who like to download music, so Metrotunes was a logical step for us,” Bhatti said. “Working with Affinity Music, we have been able to develop a unique online store tailored to reflect the tastes of our Urbanite readers.”

The service will be promoted in Metro’s newspapers, which are available in 13 cities throughout the UK, starting with a full-page editorial published today. Metrotunes will also be the lead media sponsor at the Digital Music Awards on the 19 October.

Affinity will be working in partnership with 7Digital Media who will be managing the technology behind the site.

**Related**

"Evening Standard ditches CDs for digital music":http://www.netimperative.com/news/2004/09/21/Standard_digital_music/view