Infinity to Help AOL Get Broadband Users

AOL Time Warner Inc.’s America Online unit formed an alliance with Viacom Inc.’s Infinity Broadcasting radio network to help draw users to the online company’s new high-speed Web service.

AOL for Broadband will be advertised on Infinity, owner of 183 U.S. stations, the companies said. Infinity will stream programs from at least five of its stations on the radio area of the high-speed service. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Separately, America Online said it fired 420 customer service workers and hired a new Washington lobbyist.

AOL Time Warner shares rose 5 cents to $10.91 on the NYSE. Viacom’s Class B shares rose $1.29 to $37.81. Both are based in New York.