Archive for August 26th, 2007
Frustrated by South Park’s slow evolution on the web (other than illegal clips), creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have signed a new multizillion-dollar deal with Comedy Central that involves a new joint venture, SouthParkStudios.com, to “spread South Park-related material across the net, mobile platforms, and video games.” As the New York Times points out, “what is likely to draw the most attention in Hollywood is not the richness of the pact, but the network’s willingness to share its advertising revenue.” Everything that the joint venture brings in will be split 50-50.
The masthead on ComedyCentral.com’s South Park section now includes a sign/ad that directs users to the new SouthParkStudios.com.
August 26th, 2007
New Internet Broadcasting CEO David Lebow — formerly GM of AOL Media Networks — is hard at work on a new strategy for the online network, reports Broadcasting and Cable. “One challenge is keeping the partner companies on board—industry whisperers say NBC and Cox may pull out to run their own station sites,” writes B&C’s Michael Malone. Meanwhile, Lebow says he’ll reinforce to his staff that the web is different than TV. “These local brands are tremendous assets, but in order to be relevant, they need to be leveraged across however consumers consume information,” he says.
August 26th, 2007
Update: The former editor and publisher of The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, Joel Kramer, announced that his team is moving ahead with MinnPost.com, a nonprofit online news startup for the Twin Cities. Kramer said he’s raised $1.1 million (including $250K from the Knight Foundation). “”Communities need news every way they can get it,” said Eric Newton, vice president of Knight Foundation’s journalism program. “What makes this experiment interesting are its non-profit model and the willingness of such a broad spectrum of the community to give money and time to this effort.” More than 20 Twin Cities journalists have already agreed to contribute content to the site, which is launching “later this year.” (Thanks, Jason for the link!)
August 26th, 2007
NBC has shot only one To Catch a Predator episode so far this year, compared to seven back in 2006, reports New York Times’ Brian Stelter. The likely reason? Advertisers are backing away from the controversial show, which is facing two lawsuits. But NBC says it’s “not running away” from the show and it’s “discussing future investigations.”
August 26th, 2007
The facelift includes updated navigation and a new deal with Bankrate for interest rates.
August 26th, 2007
