Music video site Muzu TV has signed a global licensing deal with Merlin, an international rights group that represents independent labels. Though Muzu already has deals with Universal, Warner, EMI, Sony and Beggars Group, the deal will give the site a 10% share of the US indie market and the rights to show new videos by bands including Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.
Muzu offers artists revenue from advertising, based on the number of times their videos are played on the site. Around 7m videos are currently viewed on the site each month. The deal will substantially boost Muzu's content and give it a lift over its competitors. Muzu is yet to sign licensing deals with any of Muzu's major competitors, including YouTube and MySpace.
Merlin CEO Charles Caldas praises the site for enabling artists to make money from their video content. He says: "Having an outlet that not only allows you to find a commercial way to showcase your video but also is helping and enabling you to digitize content that you might not otherwise is a really valuable opportunity for any label."
StrategyEye's related categories: Music Delivery Services, Online Video, Video Networks, Major Labels, Video Delivery Services
StrategyEye's related companies: Universal Music Group, Merlin, Muzu, Beggars Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, YouTube, MySpace, EMI Music Publishing
