CBS catches the video sharing bug

Stephen Withers
Friday, 13 April 2007 03:46

Your IT - Home IT

US TV network CBS has announced plans to make its content available via a host of online distribution channels including the Joost and Veoh peer to peer systems

New distributors include AOL, Bebo, Brightcove, CNET Networks, Comcast, Joost, Microsoft, Netvibes, Sling Media and Veoh.

"Today marks an important step in our strategy to distribute content broadly across the online interactive landscape on an open, non-exclusive basis," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation.

"Each of these partners offers value to our audience and our advertisers, who can now come to CBS not only for the most watched network on television, but for the most widely distributed professional content online."

CBS will provide new episodes of shows including CSI, Letterman, Survivor and the Evening News for a limited period, along with a selection of classics. They will be free of charge to the viewer, but will contain advertising. Revenue will be shared between the network and its partners.

Unfortunately, CBS's plans do not represent a breakthrough in international distribution, as only sports shows (such as Showtime Championship Boxing) and selected clips will be offered outside the US. People will need to stick with the euphemistically labelled "alternative means of distribution" if they want to keep up with the latest episodes of dramas before too many spoilers appear on web sites and in magazines.

What choices do program providers face regarding international distribution?