In what Joost would consider the next step in growing its online video service, a new partnership with VH1 means that a new scripted comedy series "I Hate My 30s" will premiere on the P2P-driven video service. The first season of the show will be available exclusively on the upstart Internet TV service on July 16. This means it will be available through Joost 10 days before its scheduled broadcast premiere.
"This is exactly the kind of partnership we would like to have with content owners," said Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, executive VP content strategy and acquisition at Joost. "We see this as Phase 2 in creating value with content owners." Viacom Inc., which owns VH1, is an investor in Joost after joining the likes of CBS Corp., Sequoia Capital, the Li Ka-Shing Foundation and Index Ventures in a $45 million round of funding announced in May.
The deal also means that Joost is moving toward direct competition with services such as Apple's iTunes and Microsoft's Xbox Live Video Marketplace. Joost also has deals with Warner Music Group, Turner Broadcasting and Sony Pictures Television.
Source:
Reuters
The deal also means that Joost is moving toward direct competition with services such as Apple's iTunes and Microsoft's Xbox Live Video Marketplace. Joost also has deals with Warner Music Group, Turner Broadcasting and Sony Pictures Television.
Source:
Reuters
