Viacom has signed a deal with new broadband TV project Joost, just days after ordering that its content be pulled from YouTube, following the collapse of similar talks.
Joost will have access to several hundred hours of content from Viacom’s US cable channels MTV, Comedy Central and Spike. Movies from Viacom’s Paramount studios will also be released. It is not known whether the content will be geographically protect to prevent it being downloaded outside of the United States.
Programmes included in the initial package are Real World, Laguna Beach, Beavis & Butthead and Flavor of Love.
Unlike YouTube, where clips are typically restricted to a few minutes, Joost will screen entire programmes. It has previously struck deals with Warner Bros and Endemol.
Meanwhile, the Google-owned YouTube is running into problems from content owners now anxious to protect both copyright and revenues, rather than relying purely on the promotional benefits of being associated with the site. (JC)
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