MTV - VIACOM TAKETH, NOW GIVETH

Viacom, which ordered that all of the clips from its cable networks be pulled off YouTube two weeks ago, will allow them to return to a new video website, Joost, the Wall Street Journal reported today, saying that the deal is likely to be announced today (Tuesday). Under it, Viacom has agreed to license hundreds of hours of programming from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, Spike, and its other cable networks as well as movies made by Viacom-owned Paramount Pictures. Monetary terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the WSJ observed that in the past Viacom has received two-thirds of the advertising revenue and other compensation for such content. In an interview with the newspaper, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman indicated that the deal is non-exclusive and is meant to assure any other "potential partners that we're open for business and that we're able to enter into transactions with companies that respect our content and the considerations of our business."

20/02/2007