DOT COMEDY

FREE VIRGINS? SIGN ME UP!
Radio Free Virgin launched the newest version of its Radio Free Virgin player, a software application that turns any computer into a digital radio tuner. The company claims its player offers users the most advanced digital radio player available, streaming CD-quality sound superior to MP3s or traditional FM radio. With over 30 channels so far and dozens more to launch shortly, Radio Free Virgin will offer consumers more listening choices than FM radio in New York and Los Angeles combined, the company said. "We exceeded everyone's expectations of radio by transferring all the great things about it to the Internet, then went one step beyond that," said Zach Zalon, GM of RFV. "Superior sound quality, professional programming, interactivity—all of it coupled with the innovative, entertaining and irreverent style that you expect from the Virgin brand name. It's no wonder we're turning personal computers into the best radio station listeners have ever heard." The service is, so far, not available in hot air balloons.

TAKE THAT TO THE MUSICBANK
Musicbank has secured a non-exclusive, three-year licensing agreement with Warner Music Group for a planned streaming music service. As part of the agreement, WMG has taken an undisclosed equity stake in Musicbank. The agreement is Musicbank's third with a major label record group, having already signed deals with BMG and UMG. "This is a big step for us," said a spokesman for Musicbank. "Sadly, since the word ‘bank' is in our name and not ‘virgin,' we don't sound quite as sexy." With that in mind, the company has considered upgrading its name, while keeping the "bank" image. Suggested new names for the service include VirginBank, Interest-Free Virgins and Totally Nude Annuities.

COULD THEY BLAME IT ON PEARL JAM SOMEHOW?
After a two-year split, USA Network is considering reuniting Ticketmaster with its half-owned Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch. According to the Wall Street Journal, USA filed its intent with the Securities and Exchange Commission to seek possible transactions that could "obtain the benefits of joint operation of the ticketing and reservations business" of Ticketmaster Online and Ticketmaster Corp. The filing alluded to "a merger or other transaction that could involve" giving extra Ticketmaster Online shares to USA. While USA owns less than 50% of Ticketmaster Online, it holds a majority of the voting stock. After a successful IPO, the stock has fallen from an all-time high of $50 per share, to a 52-week low of $9.50 this month. "It was probably a mistake," said one analyst, "for them to add a service charge to every share. That might have contributed to the dropping stock price."