Dubbed “the CBS Interactive Audience Network” the American network CBS has concluded content deals with a host of online distributors including AOL, Microsoft, CNET Networks, Comcast, Joost, Bebo, Brightcove, Netvibes, Sling Media and Veoh. The agreements, building on the Company’s existing arrangements, are aimed to “solidify CBS’s position as the most widely distributed professional content provider on the Web”.
All content will be advertiser supported and free to the consumer. CBS will begin selling the CBS Interactive Audience Network in the coming weeks. Advertising revenue will be shared between CBS and its partners. All content will be available domestically with select clips and full-length sports programming distributed worldwide.
“CBS’s ability to partner with leading next-generation interactive platforms is the best way for CBS to evolve from a content company to an audience company,” said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive, in a prepared statement, “It’s really all about the user, and in building the CBS Interactive Audience Network, we are bringing our content to each unique platform of their choice. In remaining open to all online distributors and community builders — big and small —we can learn more about our existing audience, be exposed to new ones, and flexibly cater to their changing consumption habits.”
Programming will include current series such as CSI and Survivor, Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric and selected CBS Sports. Also classic programming from the library of CBS Television Distribution will become available.
