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GOOGLE announced that paid clicks jumped 20% in the first quarter, sending its stock soaring. However, the real story here is that COMSCORE was just plain wrong in its estimate that the search engine’s paid clicks grew by a mere 1.8% during the quarter. Faith in the ratings company has taken a big hit and comScore’s stock fell by over 8% in after-hours trading. comScore claims to be one of the most reliable sources for online ratings but I personally know their video number are completely unreliable. I’m not surprised to learn their online metrics are faulty.
Ben Silverman tapped MSN Branded Entertainment alum Cameron Death to relaunch NBC Digital Studio. Death has a simple mission: find some amazing talent and make some branded entertainment. First out of the relaunched gate: “Gemini Division,” a sci-fi series starring Rosario Dawson, and “Woke Up Dead” a zombie comedy. You know, I always say, “there’s nothing like a zombie comedy to activate your brand.”
Internationally, NBCU is planning TV Box, a VOD service offering the most popular NBCU content. The company will “aggressively” market the service, which is expected to launch sometime this year.
THE CW NETWORK has decided not to offer “Gossip Girl” online when the show returns this Monday. The show reports impressive streaming numbers online. However, on TV the show is not doing as well as the network had hoped. CW is hoping viewers will shift from online to television to get their “Gossip Girl” fix. Maybe, but this certainly sounds like a step backwards. If the audience is online, the show should be online too.
CBS INTERACTIVE opened a “Strategic office” in Silicon Valley this week. The move is part of an overall reorganization of the group.
MICROSOFT acquired online travel site Farecast for $115 million. Farecast helps predicts the best time to purchase an airline ticket to obtain the lowest price. Microsoft will most likely integrate the site with MSN Travel.