For the first time, French industry body SNEP has chosen an exclusive supplier to digitally deliver promotional titles to radio stations. On behalf of its members, SNEP has appointed Paris-based TITE Live to handle the Médiadisque service, a joint venture with technology firm Apach Network.
TITE Live collects and manages data on all types of cultural products; it also compiles France’s official music sales charts for SNEP, along with market research company IFOP. No date has been been set for the launch of the digital service.
One of several contenders for the contract was Grandlink, a Paris-based firm that supplies media companies with content via satellite. In the past, Grandlink has provided French radio stations with repertoire from labels.
Grandlink CEO Peter Murray describes SNEP’s decision as “a massive step backward” in technological terms, as he considers the Internet-based transmission proposed by TITE Live as far less secure and efficient than Grandlink’s own satellite delivery system.
“We’re surprised by the SNEP’s decision,” adds Ali Mouhoub, manager of the music department of Yacast, another contender. “We and Grandlink have already shown that we can provide this service. TITE Live has yet to show anything.” Yacast collects airplay data on French radio and provides streaming facilities for the main broadcasters in France.
SNEP’s choice was simply “economic,” claims Mouhoub. “They’ve chosen the cheapest option; let’s see if the cheapest option works.”
TITE Live co-GM and co-founder Stéphane Magnard states that “the number of titles that can be sent to radios depends entirely on how much it costs to send them.”
SNEP declined comment.
