nsdtcm:networks:viacom:mtv

MTV tunes up lyrics search

Network to launch multiplatform initiative

By JOSEF ADALIAN

MTV Networks is launching a major multiplatform initiative tied to music lyrics -- just as publishers step up their efforts to thwart websites that illegally offer up the words to songs.

Key to the effort is a plan to begin offering extensive lyric search capabilities on the websites of all three major MTV music brands -- MTV, VH1 and CMT. MTV Nets also plans to offer mobile phone-based lyric searches and eventually extend the search function to older titles next year via VH1Classic.com.

Company has pacted with Gracenote, which has rights deals in place with most major publishers.

"The search for the lyric is just a path for the user to experience more content," MTVN Music Group exec VP of digital media Courtney Holt told Daily Variety.
source: Variety Headline News