London - Major record label EMI is preparing to launch its own consumer-facing digital music store before the end of the year, the Financial Times reports.

Work began earlier this year on the portal, which will offer paid song downloads, as well as video content, and some free elements.

"The record label wants to position EMI.com as a 'learning lab' where people can discover new music as part of a broader digital strategy," according to FT.com.

Commenting on the idea of a music store that only offers tracks from a single label group, one music industry executive told FT.com that "research has shown that when consumers are looking for music they want it all in one place...I am not sure what EMI will get for the money they have spent on it."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/46slu (Financial Times)

http://www.emigroup.com