GameSpy to Launch Largest Internet Tuner

GameSpy Industries, the Costa Mesa-based entertainment portal with investment backing from Hollywood heavyweights Richard Wolpert and Michael Ovitz, will launch a sweeping online radio site that promises to be the world’s largest Internet tuner.

RadioSpy (https://www.radiospy.com) allows a computer user to find a station--streaming in Real Audio, Windows Media Player or Shoutcast--by clicking on the genre of music he or she likes. Previously, users had to know where to find real-time streaming Internet stations, which do not always run around the clock. Though other sites offer similar search functions, analysts say no one has launched as broad an offering as GameSpy. The site, which includes a free plug-in for the MP3 player WinAmp, also offers daily music news updates and regular profiles of Internet DJs.

The company, which also cybercasts its own radio shows, makes its money by displaying banner ads on the site and the player. The company also takes a cut of all e-commerce transactions when visitors jump from RadioSpy to the online shop CheckOut.com to buy music.