TORONTO – CHUM Television said today it will go global with Joost, which bills itself as "the first global TV distribution platform."
The deal will deliver a generous sampling of programming from MuchMusic, as well as content from Space, FashionTelevision, and CityLine – all through Joost’s customizable video platform that delivers video content using its own secure, streaming technology.
Until last month, Joost operated under the code name "The Venice Project" and has been under beta testing by content executives in the know for months. It’s owned by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the creators of Skype, who sold their Internet phone operation to eBay in 2005 for US$2.6 billion. Joost now has offices in five countries and employs 100 people.
Joost is powered by a secure, piracy-proof Internet platform based on peer-to-peer technology that enables premium interactive video experiences while guaranteeing copyright protection for content owners and creators. "People are looking for increased choice and flexibility in their TV experience, while the entertainment industry needs to retain control over their content," said Fredrik de Wahl, CEO. "With Joost, we’ve married that consumer desire with the industry’s interests."
The company aims to bring together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment. Joost can be accessed with a broadband Internet connection and offers broadcast-quality content to viewers for free.
"We’ve received positive and constructive feedback from our early beta-testers and are now at a stage where we’re ready to reveal our true brand," said de Wahl. "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’."
“CHUM has always been on the front lines of the multi-platform experience,” said Roma Khanna, senior vice-president, content, CHUM Television, in a press release. “So it makes perfect sense for us to partner with Joost, since their platform is all about engaging audiences and enhancing television viewing. We’re happy to be on the ground floor with Joost.”
U.S. mega-brand owner Viacom (MTV, CBS, BET, etc.) has also signed on with Joost.
”CHUM, and in particular MuchMusic, offers content that will have great appeal to our anticipated audience,” said Yvette Alberdingkthijm, executive vice-president of content strategy and acquisition for Joost. “For artists and labels, Joost provides an opportunity for fans to interact with artists like never before. This kind of enhanced experience is the essence of Joost.”
“We’re very excited to reach out to new audiences and advertisers through Joost,” added Maria Hale, vice-president, business development, CHUM Television. “While the Joost model protects our content from piracy, we are able to extend our distribution strategy online.”
The majority of CHUM content on Joost will come from MuchMusic (interviews, performances, news). Among the offerings available on Joost will include Nelly Furtado, Beyoncé, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, The White Stripes, Evanescence, Broken Social Scene, Fall Out Boy, and others.
Live@Much, Intimate & Interactive, the MuchMusic Video Awards, and MuchOnDemand; documentary shows Music Is My Life and MuchAdrenaline; as well as youth social-issues programme MuchTalks will also be available through Joost.
Additional content will come from: sci-fi channel Space, FashionTelevision and daytime lifestyle program CityLine.
