Joost gets a boost from CBS
By John Pospisil
Programming from the US CBS television network will be available on the Joost Internet television service when it is launched later this year. The only catch is that the CBS content will only be available to US viewers.
Content to be made available includes new and previously-aired, full episodes from current CBS programs, including:
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: NY and CSI: Miami
- NCIS
- NUMB3RS
- Survivor
- Showtime
- Showtime Championship Boxing
- Jericho
- Fat Actress
- Free for All
- CSTV, CBS Evening News With Katie Couric and
- CBS Sportsline.
Joost is the brainchild of Skype founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, who sold Skype to eBay for $2.6 billion in 2005. The new television service, which is currently in expanded beta and is accessed via a broadband Internet connection, aims to offer users a TV-like experience, but with more Web 2.0 choice, control and flexibility.
CBS is the first broadcast network to join Joost’s growing list of content providers. Global entertainment company Viacom agreed to provide programming from MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures for Joost in February.
At the time of Joost’s announcement in mid January, Joost management promised that:
“The Joost name has global appeal, embodies fun and energy, and will come to define the ‘best of TV and the best of the Internet’”.
With the announcement of the availability of CBS content, it appears that Joost is on track to deliver on this promise.
“Being able to offer Joost viewers award-winning CBS content is extremely exciting for Joost both because it’s a testament to the value we offer our content partners and because it ensures that our viewers are going to have a trusted source to view their new favorites as well as classics,” said Joost co-founder Janus Friis.
Through Joost, viewers will be able to watch their favorite CBS series through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features, such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.
“Joost combines best-in-class technology with superb video quality and a management team with a proven track record,” said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive.
“Partnering with Joost for the CBS Interactive Audience Network showcases our content and community on a service that allows for unique advertising opportunities and a delivery framework that maximizes cost efficiency.”
The agreement with CBS is just the boost that Joost needs (pardon the pun), though it will be very interesting to see whether Joost can come up with similar content arrangements in other parts of the world.
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April 13th, 2007
Joost shows more promise with CBS deal
Joost (pronounced ‘juiced’) has been the talk of the internet for months now, and is really starting to ramp up the publicity as of late. I was invited to beta test Juiced two or three weeks ago and have spent a little bit of time playing around w…