Reuters is reporting that MTV Networks plans to launch a digital download service the first half of next year.

MTV Networks is preparing to introduce a music download service with plans to go up against Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes and other competitors, said MTV chief Tom Freston on Monday.

Currently, MTV.com allows members to download music tracks but they expire after about a month and cannot be burned to a compact disc or uploaded to a portable digital player.

Two weeks ago Apple launched a Microsoft Windows-compatible version of its software. iTunes.com has sold approximately 13 million songs since its spring launch.

To learn about the digital distribution deal from the perspective of independent recording artists, check out a lively online discussion that was started over the weekend at LiveJournal/MusicBiz