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Google and Viacom's MTV Networks to Test New Online Video Distribution Model
MTVN Hit Programs Also Available Now for Download-To-Own on Google Video
NEW YORK, and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 7 -- Google Inc.
(Nasdaq: GOOG) and MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), are
collaborating to test an innovative video distribution model that will
serve consumers, web publishers and advertisers. Google will distribute
ad-supported content from MTV Networks to targeted website publishers,
allowing publishers to showcase clips from premium programming like
Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants and MTV's Laguna Beach to enhance the
content on their websites. As the first-of-its-kind offering from both
companies, this new model will provide users with new ways to experience
content and create targeted marketing vehicles for advertisers. It will
also serve to promote programming that is available via cable, satellite
and other distribution platforms carrying MTVN's on-air channels. The
companies expect to be testing the model later this month.
This venture marks the first time integrated video programming and
advertising will be made available directly to Google's extensive AdSense
network, which delivers targeted text and image ads to its network of
websites and blogs. This also represents the first time clips from MTV
Networks' kids and family, music and entertainment programming will be
available to consumers widely across the Web on an ad-supported basis on
sites outside MTVN's proprietary sites.
"Collaborating with Google gives us a terrific opportunity to take our
content and distribute it even more widely on the web in a seamless and
targeted way," said Tom Freston, President and CEO, Viacom. "This deal fits
in perfectly with our strategy to deliver the best content to our audiences
-- wherever they are. We're very happy to be working with Google, a true
innovator in content distribution."
"We're excited to work with MTV Networks on new ways of distributing
its content to consumers via the Internet and on Google Video," said Eric
Schmidt, Google's CEO. "With the combination of our video technology, and
extensive advertiser and publisher network, Google is in a leading position
to help content owners, web publishers and advertisers generate interest
and increase revenue opportunities."
MTVN programming that initially will be distributed via Google Video
and targeted publishers includes clips from:
-- MTV's "Laguna Beach: The Real OC" - video clips detailing major
plotlines from the hit show's third season, which premieres on
television August 14.
-- MTV Video Music Awards - promotional clips from this year's VMAs,
airing Aug. 31, memorable highlights from past VMAs, and exclusive
clips from the upcoming "Scandalicious Show" previewing this year's
VMAs.
-- Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" - Your Brain on SpongeBob, taken
from the hugely popular animated series.
"We are content people who make great creative product for all
platforms," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "Our brands
are great navigation tools for our audiences, and this deal with Google
will enable us to follow and lead them to new places."
"We welcome the opportunity to work with great content providers like
MTV Networks to explore additional forms of distribution for online video,"
said David Eun, Google's vice president of content partnerships. "MTV
Networks offers a perfect blend of content that is interesting, exciting
and relevant to web publishers, advertisers and users alike. We look
forward to the results of this relationship, and the impact it will have on
these audiences."
MTVN Hit Programs Also Available Now for Download-To-Own on Google
Video:
SOURCE MTV Networks
http://www.mtv.com
http://www.google.com
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