Streaming media company Broadcast.com and National Media Corp.,
a direct response television company, today announced an alliance
to create a 24-hour per day live and on-demand streaming video shopping
channels on the Internet.
Under terms of the agreement, broadcast.com will provide exclusive,
complete Internet broadcasting services for National Media’s direct
response programming. Additionally, broadcast.com and National Media will
cross-promote each other via their existing media. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
Broadcast.com made news in July, when it debuted as the all-time best ever
IPO (NASDAQ:BCST). It currently claims over 460,000 daily average unique
visitors. National Media reportedly spends in excess of $100 million
annually on television advertising.
A variety of formats will be available, the companies said, including live
shopping programming digitally streamed over five video channels; “Live on
Tape” programming digitally streamed over five themed video
channels (e.g., health & fitness, beauty & cosmetics, housewares;
automotive, motivational); and “On-Demand” audio and video programming,
designed to enable consumers to call up their chosen products or programs.
All services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the firms
stated.
“Our exclusive agreement with broadcast.com will act as a catalyst for the
future of electronic commerce as television and computers are rapidly
converging into a single box”, said Stephen C. Lehman, acting CEO of
National Media. “We expect to access millions of new shoppers online who
can watch our programming on their computers as a result of this alliance.”
Users will be able to access National Media’s programming via a “Shopping
Channel” link from the broadcast.com homepage, the companies said. The
programming is scheduled to be available to consumers for viewing within 90
days.
“We are very excited to partner with National Media to create the next
generation of on-line shopping and membership services,” said Mark Cuban,
president of broadcast.com. “Our ability to reach the largest streaming
media audience on the Internet, our implementation of broadband video, and
future personalization services will create a compelling alternative to
traditional media.”
Related Links
Internet Stock Report: Morning Report
