The as yet unnamed YouTube rival from News Corp. and NBC Universal is closing content deals at a fast pace. Contracts have been signed with more than 20 networks and TV and film studios including CNET Networks, Oxygen, Fox Cable Networks’ Fuel TV and Speed Channel and Sundance Channel. A deal with Comcast will unlock content from E! Entertainment Television, Style, G4, Versus and Golf Channel.
The new video website should launch sometime this summer, but no definite date has been announced. The content will also be distributed via various partner sites including AOL, Microsoft’s MSN, MySpace and Comcast.
Gemstar-TV Guide International’s TV Guide Channel will also be part of the offer. Its main aim seems to be to steer viewers to regular television, since TV Guide will show recommendations for the best shows, movies and music on TV, plus celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes clips from popular TV shows.
