GenQ - For the not so straight individual

SBS has announced it will partner exclusively with Universal Music Australia (UMA) to create a new music label to distribute up to fifty new releases in the next 12 months.

UMA has been appointed by public broadcaster SBS as its exclusive music distributor in Australia. Under the newly created SBS Music imprint, Universal will manufacture, market and distribute an array of exciting concept and artist albums to be stocked at Dymocks and JBHifi nationwide as well as most music retailers throughout Australia.

Among the first products to be released under this new imprint will be the CD and DVD companion to SBS' broadcast of the New Year's Concert 2008 in Vienna, as well as a CD and DVD to accompany the airing of the Buddy Holly 'Definitive History' documentary on the 4th of January. SBS Music and UMA will focus on developing and marketing albums inspired by SBS TV and Radio programming along with their on air and on screen personalities, which will target the hugely diverse SBS Television and Radio consumer.

SBS Music products will be uniquely presented, with a dedicated SBS Music area at retail, formalised through special merchandising, signage and point of sale. SBS concept albums will be packaged in UMA's distinctive Ecopacks, an environmentally friendly packaging system using 100% recycled and recyclable packaging materials.

All SBS Music product will also be available digitally under a dedicated banner through the SBS online shop, getmusic website and participating retailers.

Universal Managing Director George Ash said "We welcome SBS Music to the UMA family and look forward to working with them on the development of exciting and innovative music products for all consumers".

SBS Director of Commercial Affairs Richard Finlayson said, "Universal delivered a comprehensive and compelling business plan for SBS Music. They are the industry leader and we are delighted to be working with them. SBS Music is a key component to the expansion of our consumer products program that has already delivered great results in the DVD business and will, together with SBS Books, further contribute to content funding for SBS programming.�