VH1 Starting Online Radio Station

Overall impressions on 'Divas Live' Show:
VH1 is starting an Internet radio station, VH1
atWork, to debut Tuesday with the exclusive live
webcast of the "Divas Live" concert, featuring
Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Cher, Brandy, LeAnn
Rimes, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, and Sir Elton
John. The 24-hour radio operation -- at
www.vh1.com and America Online (keyword: VH1) --
is the first major branded audio service from MTV
Networks, according to Matt Farber, senior VP of
programming enterprises for MTV/VH1 and GM for
MTV2. He adds that VH1 atWork will be integrated
into Buggles, the radio service being developed
by MTV Networks that will be based on technology
from its newly acquired Webcast company Imagine
Radio (Billboard Bulletin, Feb. 22).

In addition to offering the type of music played
on VH1, the radio service will have original
programming. Shows in development include "Then
And Now," a guide to the early and current hits
of artists played on the network, and
"Uncovered," in which artists play covers of
songs by musicians who inspired them; there may
also be audio feeds of such popular VH1 shows as
"Legends" and "Storytellers." The station also
plans to offer live concert Webcasts, including
upcoming shows by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Initially, listeners will need a RealMedia player
to access the service, but it will soon be
compatible with all players, according to Farber.

-- Carolyn Horwitz, N.Y.