MTV and Real to join forces against Apple's iTunes
MTV Networks is expected to announce Tuesday plans to merge its online digital music service into a joint venture with music software company RealNetworks, according to the Wall Street Journal.
As part of the deal, MTV will reportedly ditch its MTV Urge download service that it launched last year alongside Microsoft Corp.
Meanwhile, the Journal reported that the new service between MTV and Real will tap wireless provider Verizon Wireless to help supply mobile content to users.
The paper suggested that the pact with Verizon could bolster the new venture's battle against iTunes, given that Apple drew widespread criticism from mobile operators and consumers when it made AT&T its exclusive wireless provider for the iPhone.