WebTV Networks Inc competitor NetChannel Inc has inked a deal with Ticketmaster Group Inc to provide online ticketing and live event information on NetChannel’s service. Although Ticketmaster has handed over an undisclosed amount of money, it is admittedly negligible as the two companies see the deal as more cross- promotional. Ticketmaster’s nod to NetChannel over Microsoft- owned WebTV – although for now the deal is not exclusive – shouldn’t come as much of a surprise after the company accused Microsoft of electronic piracy in court back in April (CI No 3,151). Ticketmaster was upset about Microsoft providing an unauthorized link to its website from Microsoft’s Seattle Sidewalk page. The company says its online ticket sales, launched in November, have seen steady growth and will come close to $3m for July.
