Internet TV Site Joost Inks Broad Content Deal with Viacom

Fledgling Internet TV service provider Joost on Tuesday announced that content colossus Viacom Inc. will offer a full range of brands and programming from its MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures divisions for free to consumers on the Joost distribution platform.

Joost, which enables viewers to interact with the video they watch, made news last month as it was founded by former Skype leaders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis. Joost said it is piracy-proof and guarantees copyright protection for often skittish content owners and creators.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Joost service is in a limited beta test now.

Joost will allow users to have free access to thousands of programs and channels not readily available on the Web. With Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related Web sites based on the content. The service also includes a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards and news tickers.

“Growing our digital presence and bring our programming to audiences on every platform and device that they want” is a core area of focus, said Philippe Dauman, Viacom’s president and CEO.

Viacom Inc. www.viacom.com  

Joost www.joost.com

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