Pubs' jukebox revolution

by Steve Hemsley Two new digital music systems, which their suppliers claim will revolutionise music in pubs and increase turnover, are being promoted to the trade in time for the Christmas party season. Inspired Broadcast Networks (IBN) claims its broadband-enabled jukebox could generate four times as much money for licensees as traditional machines, while Bute Video's Mixopia Video Station lets pubs create their own in-house music television channel, which includes local advertising. The machines from IBN offer a choice of more than two million songs. Punters can also buy albums and ringtones and jump the queuing system by paying an extra 50p. The first four machines will be installed this week at four sites around London, with plans for 5,000 in the next two years. Company boss Norman Crow-ley said the new machines would revitalise the jukebox market. "The traditional jukebox with its terrible compilations and a lack of new music is not what modern-day pub-goers want," he said. Meanwhile, for around £50 a week pubs can rent the Mixopia Video Station that comes with 350 music videos, amended every month, and a karaoke facility. Licensees can chose their own music, run details of their own bar promotions on the screen, and generate revenue by negotiating local advertising deals with suppliers. Managing director Alan Bryson said 20 machines had been installed since the start of November.