Chrysalis Group today (March 15) announced that it is launching a London-based digital music division. Chrysalis Mobile Solutions will act as an aggregator and distributor of ringtones and other mobile content such as real tunes and full-length downloads. Due to go live in April, the unit will offer its services to media and retail partners. It is aiming for a “significant share” of the market for real tunes, which are taken from edits of actual songs.
Heading the unit is managing director Ian James, formerly Chrysalis’ radio interactive director. Named as director of strategy and business development is Nick Gregg, founder of mobile consultancy MarketClusters. Both report to Chrysalis Group CEO Richard Huntingford.
“Through Chrysalis Mobile, we are creating a highly innovative business that will both serve our existing Chrysalis radio and music divisions and also provide a valuable outsourced service to other players in the broader media and retail market places,” says Huntingford. “With our combination of music and radio assets, we are uniquely placed to build a leading position in the fast developing and lucrative music content space.”
The first products launched will be branded ringtone services for Chrysalis’ Galaxy and Heart radio stations, encompassing content from artists at Chrysalis’ Echo label.
Stock in Chrysalis Group closed down slightly at 228p after details of the venture were announced this morning to the London stock exchange.
