NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 9, 2004 — American Express and MSN today announced an agreement to deliver free music downloads through the MSN® Music Service to American Express®
consumer Cardmembers residing in the United States. MSN and American Express are also launching In the Mix on MSN Music, a dynamic music hub where consumers can explore and discover music-related content that includes news and a variety of artist playlists.
“This agreement with MSN is music to the ears of our Cardmembers and consumers,” said Larry Sharnak, executive vice president and general manager of Consumer Lending at American Express. “Both music and the Internet are important to our customers, and with MSN Music we are able to offer consumers a place to discover new music, find out what’s happening with their favorite artist, and earn free music.”
Free Music Downloads on MSN Music for American Express Cardmembers
Visitors to MSN Music can receive free music downloads in two easy ways:
-
Buy 10, get one free. For every 10 songs purchased with a Blue from American Express® Credit Card, Delta SkyMiles Credit Card®
, or American Express Charge Card, consumer Cardmembers will automatically receive a free song credit to their MSN Music account. 1 -
For a limited time, consumers who apply for Blue from American Express or Blue Cash®
from American Express through a link on the site will be eligible to receive a minimum of 10 free MSN Music downloads. The download credits will be awarded upon Card approval. 2 Once approved, consumers can use their eligible Card to benefit from the buy-10-get-one-free offer as well.
“Both MSN and American Express are committed to bringing consumers new ways to discover and listen to the music they’re most passionate about,” said Rob Bennett, senior director for MSN Entertainment. “Through In the Mix and our offer of free tracks, we are making downloading music even easier and more rewarding for music fans.”
Music Fans Get
In the Mix
with Favorite Artists
Available at http://music.msn.com/inthemix , In the Mix is a co-branded site for the adult alternative music genre. Sponsored by Blue from American Express and developed and hosted by MSN, this music hub lets fans experience in-depth coverage of favorite and newly discovered artists. In the Mix features articles, album release news and other happenings about top artists. Consumers can easily download music, watch music videos using MSN Video and build custom playlists.
Special American Express branded content will also be available on In the Mix. Fans can access the “Blue 50” — a collection of the most popular downloads at the hub. Through a weekly poll, visitors can influence which artists and songs will be featured on In the Mix . Visitors to In the Mix on MSN can also access exclusive MSN Music content and learn about alternative music origins and trends.
“American Express and MSN have a terrific advertising relationship, and we are excited to help them reach millions of MSN consumers who are music fans,” said Joanne Bradford, vice president and chief media revenue officer for MSN. “The relationship will reward their current and potential Cardmembers with compelling offers, giving American Express a place to engage with consumers in a meaningful and relevant way.”
About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, network and financial services provider founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. For more information, visit w www.americanexpress.com .
About MSN
MSN attracts more than 350 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 39 markets and 20 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 Buy 10 get 1 free promotional offer good until Nov. 8, 2005. Use your free song credit to download any song on MSN Music until June 30, 2006. Other restrictions may apply. See http://music.msn.com/amex/freemusic for details.
2 Other restrictions may apply. See http://music.msn.com/amex/freemusic for details.
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