iTunes Radio Launches Downunder

Apple launched its music streaming iTunes Radio in Australia this week, marking the first time the service is available outside the U.S.

Photo: iTunes Radio/AP

This screenshot of an iPhone 5, shows the iTunes Radio app (click on image for complete photo).

The Australian launch is expected to be the beginning of an international rollout set to hit the UK, Canada and New Zealand shortly.

The new service will be free and ad-supported, although those who use the iTunes Match cloud music storage service at $34.99 per year get streaming without ads.

The Australian market already has 30 digital services.

As a point of difference, Apple’s marketing emphasizes its 100 stations curated by Apple or based on the listener’s past listening preferences, as well as “access to thousands of new songs every week” and “exclusive music from new and popular artists before you hear them anywhere else.”

In the meantime, streaming company Deezer closed its Australian office Feb. 13 after two years.

Former Sony Music and Warner Music marketing executive Thomas Heymann, who headed up operations in Australia and New Zealand, has left the company. All services to Australian customers continue from its Singapore office and Paris HQ.