The major label has extended its distribution agreement with streaming platform Tencent Music Entertainment, while entering into a new distribution deal with NetEase Cloud Music, one of Tencent’s biggest competitors.on Tencent’s dominance in China and possibly force it to divest some of its streaming assets. Among regulators’ concerns have been exclusive catalog deals Tencent struck with major labels, which allowed the Chinese company to grow rapidly at the expense of its rivals.
The Chinese company said that TME’s online platforms will also make Sony Music content available on connected devices such as smart speakers, televisions and in-car audio systems throughout mainland China. Sony and Tencent did not comment on the length of the extension to their previous agreement. Sony and Tencent have had a distribution relationship in China since 2014., TME's executive chairman, said in a statement."We look forward to leveraging our strong distribution channels to explore new ways of music marketing and the promotion of new artists, as well as deepening our reach to Japanese pop culture fans in China.
Through the new partnership, Hangzhou-based NetEase said it was enhancing its selection of music from a range of global superstars and renowned artists in China, including