AOL will purchase TACODA, the online behavioral-targeting ad firm. Tacoda serves ads to 4,000 websites, reaching approximately 125 Million people. AOL is reportedly paying between $200 million and $300 million for the acquisition.
CROWN CASTLE has pulled the plug on Modeo, its DVB-H mobile TV service. Modeo began trials earlier this year in New York, featuring content from six networks. The closure opens the door for Qualcomm’s MediaFLO to dominate the mobile TV market.
HEARST will announce the purchase of UGO NETWORKS. UGO operates web sites aimed at young men, and claims to draw 11 million unique monthly visitors. The price is estimated to be around $100 million.
NOKIA has purchased TWANGO, a online photo and video sharing site. Nokia recently purchased Loudeye, a music distributor, and a small navigation software company. The company is looking to grow its web-related services, in an effort to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive handset market. The deal is estimated at $96 million.
XM and SIRIUS have announced plans to offer “à la carte” pricing, hoping to convince regulators to approve their pending merger. One such plan would allow users to purchase 50 stations for $6.99 a month, and add additional stations for 25 cents each. The two companies also announced a “family friendly” package and a premium sports package.