RealNetworks, MTV Networks and Verizon Wireless are teaming to create a single, integrated digital music experience that consumers can access via their PC, portable music device or mobile phone. Promising to be ultra-rich in music culture, programming and discovery, Rhapsody will unite the best of RealNetworks' market-leading service and MTV Networks critically acclaimed URGE music service. Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music will become the mobile platform for the integrated Rhapsody service.

As part of this alliance, MTV Networks and Real are forming a new company, Rhapsody America, whose offering will be the exclusive digital music service for Real and for MTV Networks' premier music and pop culture brands in the United States.

Both partners will bring complementary strengths, including MTV Network’s storied history in music programming, unparalleled connection with music fans, and youth marketing prowess, with Real’s innovative technology, market momentum for Rhapsody, and deep relationships within the consumer electronics industry. Michael Bloom, previously General Manager of MTV Network’s URGE, will lead Rhapsody America, which will have offices in New York, Seattle and San Francisco.

Real and MTV Networks, through their Rhapsody America venture, have formed a long-term, groundbreaking and exclusive relationship with Verizon Wireless, in which the companies will be partners in bringing consumers digital music to their PCs and over the air to their mobile phones. Through the relationship with Verizon Wireless, Rhapsody will be fully integrated with VCAST Music, delivering a superior music service across multiple consumer devices.

Starting today, URGE customers can use their existing usernames and passwords to log in to Rhapsody and enjoy access to both services. In addition, Rhapsody customers can get their first taste of MTV Networks’ rich programming from MTV, VH1 and CMT. Verizon Wireless customers can already download music instantly to their V CAST-enabled phones at any time and from anywhere in the V CAST service area and transfer digital music to their phones from their PC. In the months ahead, Verizon Wireless will roll out functionality that sends the duplicate copy of songs purchased over the air directly to a customer’s Rhapsody account. The service will also allow transfer of subscription music from a Rhapsody account to a mobile phone.