Originally posted on August 7, 2006 @ 7:23 am
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.”
Source: Google Press Release