News

Independent music catalog OK'd for video jukebox

May 5, 2003

DETROIT -- Koch Entertainment, the No. 1 independent record company in the United States, said it has entered into a non-exclusive licensing and royalty agreement for its music catalog to be used by Barden Entertainment Inc., developers of the Digital Video Jukebox (DVJ).

Under the terms of the agreement, Barden will be permitted to present a variety of the music videos released under the Koch umbrella on its DVJ units, according to a news release.

The Digital Video Jukebox is a self-contained kiosk delivery system capable of playing thousands of music videos over multiple screens on demand, each song accessible through advanced touchscreen technology. The DVJ is designed to be an entertainment staple in nightclubs, restaurants, bars, bowling centers, college unions and transportation terminals across the country, the release said.

Said Barden President John Goci, "Koch's stable of independent artists opens up tremendous new opportunities for us and our DVJ consumers in genres from rock and adult contemporary to country and hip hop."

Koch's operations encompass record labels and distribution companies in the United States and Canada. The company's record labels had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents in 2001-2002, according to the release.

Koch President Bob Frank said, "We're thrilled to partner with Barden Entertainment in this state-of-the-art video delivery system. This next generation of the 'jukebox' is a great means to promote our diverse roster."

The Koch announcement comes on the heels of a similar deal struck earlier this year with industry giant Warner Music Group. Barden Entertainment also has licensing commitments in place with BMIand ASCAP.