UMG, The Online Network Brings Music To Soaps

Soap Stars

THE ONLINE NETWORK (TOLN) has partnered with UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (UMG) to license music exclusively from UMG’s record and publishing companies to new episodes of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" when both series launch online after their runs on ABC end. The licensing deal with UMG allows TOLN -- owned by PROSPECT PARK’s JEFF KWATINETZ and RICH FRANK -- to provide compelling recorded music and songs, and artist cross-promotion and integration to a powerful new audience.

Through the mutually beneficial relationship, UMG has the ability to tap the broad reach of two of the market’s most popular soap operas as well as new platforms for artists to explore promotion and e-commerce. The agreement also includes an e-commerce integration that will allow fans the opportunity to purchase the music used in episodes of the soaps, and access other exclusive content only available online.  Previously, KWATINETZ and UMG worked with "One Life to Live" to feature artists such as ONE REPUBLIC, MARY J. BLIGE, PUDDLE OF MUDD and SNOOP DOGG in various episodes.

"As we continue to develop programming for our online network, we are taking every facet of production into consideration to create a premium product for our viewers," KWATINETZ and FRANK said in a joint statement. "Previously these programs have not focused on, or had limited contemporary music and artist involvement, and through UMG we can deliver fans from around the world access to some of the world’s most popular music and artists all leading to better production, storylines and program experience."

"This unique arrangement with 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' offers our artists and songwriters a special opportunity for exposure on two of the most iconic soap operas ever," UMG Pres./COO ZACH HOROWITZ stated. "The online network for the programs is an exciting new vehicle for consumers to connect with our artists and their work, and purchase music seamlessly as they hear it on each episode.  We look forward to working with PROSPECT to bring the best in music to the shows’ fans."

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