YouTube is to expand its pilot advertising programme to a select number of amateurs, giving more users a shot to make money from their homemade videos. The site will accept applications from amateurs to become part of its programme that splices ads into online videos. The video makers will share in the resulting revenue. Until […]

NBC Universal is taking the unusual step of giving advertisers cash back for primetime ratings shortfalls from last season. The move is a departure for NBC, which like other broadcast networks typically gives advertisers additional TV spots, called make goods, when ratings fall short of expectations. The fourth-place network is in a steeper ratings depression […]

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) has signed a multiyear agreement with France Telecom’s Orange and its '24/24 Vide'” service, providing the studio’s latest feature film releases and classic movies from the MGM library to Orange’s customers via Video-on-Demand. According to the terms of the agreement, MGM’s films will be offered to Orange customers in France, Spain, Poland […]

From David Del Valle in Madrid The Spanish telco Telefonica and the Virtual Mobile Operator and leader in premium services World Premium Rates (WPR) have launched on Telefonica’s IPTV service Imagenio, Adivina TV (Guess TV), a new TV channel with interactive services such as quiz shows, astrology, tarot, horoscope, chat services, among others. The new […]

Rupert Murdoch has effectively confirmed son James Murdoch is his choice to take over News Corp. For now, James moves up at Sky to become non-exec chairman, while becoming CEO for News Corp outside the US. Meantime, Rupert Murdoch leaves the board of Sky – where News Corp owns 39 per cent – after 18 […]

Viasat Broadcasting and CDON have expanded their VOD content further by entering a three year licensing deal with Nordisk Film for feature films and TV-series to be made available on ViasatOnDemand.se, dk, no and CDON.com on their demand services in Scandinavia. The three year agreement with Nordisk Film secures a launch volume of 250 titles […]

BSkyB's rivals have made a joint submission to Ofcom saying it should give them “economically viable” access to its premium programming or face the separation of its channels and satellite distribution business. The submission is from BT Vision, Setanta Sports, Top Up TV and Virgin Media. BSkyB's submission to the communications regulator's investigation into the […]

Digital entertainment group YooMedia has conditionally agreed to acquire 95.2 per cent of the issued share capital of Fresh Interactive Technologies, a Spanish interactive television company, and has conditionally raised the sum of approximately £12.9 million (E18m) following a share consolidation and restructuring.

From Sotires Eleftheriou in Paris The AB group has concluded a range of deals ahead of its launch of the low cost satellite platform Bis Television next week. The basic Bis package costs just E4.90 a month for 25 channels, with film and adult add-on options costing an extra E4.90 a month each. AB has […]

BT Vision Download Store is trailing the launch of a new service that offers customers free film rental in return for watching targeted advertisements. BT Vision, Hiro Media, Intel Corporation and FremantleMedia Enterprises will collaborate on a three-month trial offering Download Store customers three films, Mischief Night, Played and The Punk Rock Movie, at no […]