MONTREAL – Astral Radio is launching an iPhone/iPad edition of Virgin Radio (English Canada) and NRJ Radio (French Canada) for mobile. Astral claims the new apps make Astral Radio the only radio broadcaster in Canada to offer an on-demand music and video streaming service through mobile applications.
Astral says the move fits with its “desire to promote emerging artists to Canadian consumers and to provide new platforms for music discovery throughout Canada.” The deployment of the on-demand player and the new mobile application is the result of agreements reached between Astral Radio and the major music labels, the IDLA (Independent Digital Licensing Association), as well as the CMRRA (Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency), SODRAC, SOPROQ and Re-sound.
"Astral Radio stations are the launch pad for emerging artists in Canada," commented Rob Farina EVP of Content and Platforms, "we are excited to offer Canadian consumers more ways to discover new artists and continue breaking Canadian stars."
The new version of the NRJ and Virgin Radio networks' mobile app will offer music-lovers nothing less than the ultimate mobile experience says Astral. Listeners can listen to their favourite station, access hundreds of songs by popular or emerging artists on demand, view videos, interviews and exclusive performances and choose among a variety of web-radio stations. They can also discover new artists, consult and buy music they hear on the air, share what they listen to and save their favourite songs and video clips in a personalized playlist.
Launched by all of the Virgin Radio stations across the country, the NRJ network across Quebec, and various other Canadian Top 40 format Astral Radio stations, the on-demand music and video streaming service will be offered via the NRJ mobile application at radionrj.ca, and the Virgin Radio mobile application at virginradio.ca and on iTunes.ca.
