ABC and ESPN have both signed a deal with Cox, which will offer hit shows on demand, but prevent users from skipping ads. Top shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” will be available 12 hours after initial broadcast. The deal includes a test of technology that will target ads to specific Zip codes and commercials that are updated to remain “fresh.”
COMCAST acknowledged talks with Hollywood studios about releasing movies on cable the same day they hit theaters. Opening-day releases would cost between $30 and $50.
MYSPACE has signed a preliminary deal to purchase PHOTOBUCKET for around $250 Million. A large majority of photos already on MySpace are hosted by Photobucket, one of the most popular online photography sites.
WARNER BROS. TELEVISION GROUP has signed an exclusive distribution deal with JOOST. Two Warner Bros. channels will launch this month – WBTV: SCI-FI FIX and WBTV: Before They Were Mega Stars.
NIELSEN/NETRATINGS announced VideoCensus, a new online video measurement service. The service allows video publishers to embed a code within video files, which reports viewer activity.