AOL VIDEO and YAHOO VIDEO have both pulled ahead of MySpace for unique visitors on video-sharing sites. YOUTUBE still leads the pack, with 51 million visitors in June. GOOGLE VIDEO remains in second place, with 18 million uniques.
THE WRITERS GUILD of AMERICA flatly rejected a plan from Hollywood producers to completely overhaul existing compensation agreements for new media platforms. The WGA’s current three-year deal expires Oct. 31, and negotiations are set to begin on Monday. Compensation in the changing media landscape will be a major point of contention, and raises the possibility of an industry strike.
WESHOW launched yesterday, promising an editorial approach to organizing videos available on all the major online sharing services. The site also offers a monthly awards contest for top videos, and WeShow TV — a review show of “the world’s best videos.” WeShow investors include MTV founder Bob Pittman.
LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS has acquired SERVECAST, a Dublin-based company that sells live and on-demand video management and streaming services. The acquisition will allow Level 3 to manage and distribute online video content in multiple formats, as demand for high-quality video over the Internet increases bandwidth consumption. The new services will complement its fiber optic network, and bring it into competition with AKAMAI, the content delivery network leader.
LIFETIME is joining the trend of offering shows online before their network debuts. YAHOO TV is currently streaming two Lifetime original programs — State of Mind, starring Lili Taylor, and Side Order of Life, starring Jason Priestley. Yahoo is also offering video interviews with cast members and other promotional material.