Joost and Viacom Sittin’ in a Tree

by John Neely

Published on Feb 21, 2007 10:27 AM
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February 21, 2007 - In a year that has been marked by numerous announcements heralding the future of TV, including Google’s acquisition of YouTube, the launch of Miachael Esner-backed Veoh Networks, and the unveiling of Apple’s iTV media server, this is the first marriage of traditional cable television and a broadband TV service.  It also indicates that traditional content production and distribution companies like Viacom are ready to embrace the net as an important pipeline into viewers’ homes, rather than just a means of delivering companion content for their shows.

In a statement, Philippe Dauman, Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We're determined to keep pushing and growing our digital presence and bring our programming to audiences on every platform and device that they want."  Media consumers are increasingly flocking to the net as the success of YouTube and other video sharing services attests, and where consumers go, investment and advertising dollars are certain to follow.

According to Janus Friis, co-founder of Joost, "(Joost) provides scalable distribution, in a completely safe environment that protects the interest of content owners and advertisers, while delighting viewers."  While the service will provide access to content from Viacom’s MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures divisions, that content will be accompanied by ads. 

If you can’t wait to gain access to Viacom shows like Beavis and Butthead and Flavor of Love, you can join the waiting list to be a public beta tester at Joost.com