MySpace is attempting to rock the music download industry.MySpace began allowing its users to listen to music from major recording labels through their site for free on Sept. 25.The site also began to allow users to download the songs through Amazon for 79 cents each — 20 cents cheaper than iTunes songs — without the copying limit iTunes puts on its songs, according to an Associated Press article.But as payment for these gimmicks, advertisements will be shown on the screen while music is played.Emily Erickson, mass communication professor, explained MySpace is owned by News Corporation, which along with other media conglomerates owns 90 percent of the U.S. media.”They are in a unique position to try to become a competitor against Apple with Amazon and MySpace,” Erickson said. “That’s going to be supported by the media conglomerates that resent the enormous power iTunes wields in terms of distribution.”She said since iTunes’ strongest competitor in music downloading is Amazon, News Corporation and other conglomerates are using MySpace, which already has a Web presence, to strengthen Amazon.”Because they are competitors against iTunes they are getting sweeter deals,” Erickson said in reference to MySpace’s cheaper prices and lack of limits.Erickson said she isn’t surprised users will have to watch ads while listening to music.”You can’t go anywhere on MySpace without being violently assaulted by ads,” Erickson said.Erickson said the attempt to compete with iTunes will fail.”MySpace is a nice try, but it’s a faltering site,” Erickson said. “Basically it’s past its prime and simply not going to have much impact at all.”Some student downloaders agreed.Jeanne Treuting, animal, dairy and poultry sciences freshman said MySpace’s deal won’t change her music downloading habits.”I don’t buy music. I illegally download it,” Treuting said. “It would save money, but I don’t like MySpace. It’s for preteens.”She said MySpace’s decision to offer users a music downloading service is an attempt to recover users it lost to Facebook.”If it was easy to buy the song and you didn’t have to suffer through the ads, I would do it. But I don’t use MySpace that much, and I hate popup ads,” said Gabrielle Triplette, finance sophomore.Triplette said the service will only appeal to current MySpace users.”Everyone uses iTunes,” Triplette said. “The MySpace [service] will be convenient for people who already go on MySpace, but I don’t think people are going to go out of their way to use it.”- – – -Contact Blake Stephens at [email protected]