UPDATED: Astral to launch new music on demand service; deals done with Sony, EMI, Universal, Warner

TORONTO – The country’s largest radio operator, Astral Media, will launch a brand new online music on demand and music streaming service on November 1st, one of its executives said on Thursday. Speaking at the Ontario Association of Broadcasters’ annual gathering Thursday morning, executive vice-president of Astral Radio Charles Benoit said the new offering from his company will be the first of its kind in North America. It’s not clear yet whether the service will have its own name or not as Benoit said it will be made available via the company’s popular Virgin and NRJ Radio station brands. Benoit...