USA Network and Yahoo! have entered into what is described as a "non-traditional" discovery and promotion pact for new music.

Under the terms of the agreement, Yahoo will identify popular independent and unsigned artists from its LAUNCHcast internet audio service and recommend them to USA Network. Those artists will then be signed by USA Network for an "incubation period" during which the cable channel will "utilise the artists' recordings for marketing and programming on the network and will benefit from a flexible source of new music for use on all platforms". Meteor 17's Spencer Proffer will be responsible for developing and promoting the artists.

"We're thrilled to be involved in this innovative partnership that has the potential to create a new model for the way musical artists are discovered and developed," said Chris McCumber, USA VP for marketing and brand strategy. "We look forward to combining the resources and creative synergy of USA, Yahoo! Music and media architect Spencer Proffer to carve a unique sonic brand for the network."

"As the music industry continues to evolve, the business of breaking artists depends on creative and integrated deals like this one," said Jay Frank, VP of programming and label relations at Yahoo! Music. "Yahoo! Music is in a unique position to identify unsigned talent and now has a partner with the reach, content and expertise to help develop the next big recording artist."