TORONTO – Billed as a “landmark” deal for the CBC content, the public broadcaster and Microsoft Canada have announced a collaboration to develop new technology and distribution opportunities for CBC content.
With a focus on increasing distribution, promotional and sponsorship opportunities, the partnership will see CBC video content extended onto multiple Microsoft platforms including MSN.ca, Xbox, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and more.
CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and Microsoft have also launched a new app (pictured below) for hockey fans available inside Microsoft’s on-line Xbox 360 service, Xbox LIVE, and free to paid, monthly Xbox LIVE Gold users. The app lets fans access and watch all of CBC’s live game broadcasts, as well as video on demand content produced by HNIC, including programming like Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry and Ron MacLean.
“CBC is proud to work with Microsoft on these collaborative projects. We are excited about working together to bring innovative experiences to Canadians with our content on these platforms,” said Kirstine Stewart, executive vice-president, CBC English Services, in a release. A subsequent Twitter post by Stewart referred to the partnership as a “landmark deal for #CBC content.”
“We are pleased at the prospect of expanding our distribution and leveraging unique promotional and sponsorship opportunities on these exceptional platforms, including the Hockey Night in Canada app for Xbox LIVE,” added Jeffrey Orridge, executive director, Sports Properties, CBC.
The new app for Xbox lets HNIC fans keep up-to-date on upcoming game schedules, review scores and statistics, share videos and see what content their friends and fellow users are watching. Users will also be able to catch-up on games they’ve missed with nearly instant three-minute game highlights packages, or take in game analysis from CBC commentators.
