Music Choice Posts 47% Increase In Sales For Concert Series Markets

Music Choice, the largest provider of commercial-free digital music via cable and satellite and distributor of an exclusive Concert Series through a nationwide network of cable systems, posted a 47% increase in sales in Music Choice markets for Concert Series artists featured in the first quarter of 2002. First quarter artists included Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band, Bilal and City High. Record sales increases peaked as high as 71% in the weeks surrounding these Concert Series broadcasts. "Music Choice had an exceptional first quarter and are looking forward to carrying the momentum into the next quarter. We credit these results to the strength of our promotional program, support at the local level from our cable affiliates and our recent decision to focus on two acts per month, which has helped to give the artists increased exposure," stated Christina Tancredi, Sr. vice president marketing, Advertising and Sponsorship Sales for Music Choice.

The Music Choice Concert Series features a range of artists and musical formats in a 60-minute show with live performances and interview segments. The concerts are available in 9 out of the top 10 DMAs in the U.S., reaching over 28 million cable households. In addition to the concert programs, featured artists receive significant exposure with a heavy rotation of promotional spots that run on major cable networks along with promotional tie-ins at the local level with cable affiliates and radio stations in Music Choice markets.

The Concert Series has showcased some of the biggest acts in music over a wide variety of genres. Grammy(R)-awarded artists k.d. lang, Train, Dave Matthews Band, Yolanda Adams and Coldplay, and Grammy(R) nominees System Of A Down and David Gray are just a few of the artists that have been featured in the Concert Series. In addition, Music Choice has introduced up-and-coming artists to its vast audience, which has translated into a successful marketing campaign for the artists and their respective labels. Artists such as John Mayer, Josh Groban and Five For Fighting have all gone on to national recognition after appearing in the Concert Series.

"I've seen how the Music Choice Concert Series can make a dramatic impact on artist album sales. The Music Choice Concert Series program gets results," stated Gary Fisher, senior vice president at Columbia Records.