Google set to sell TV programs

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Google set to sell TV programs
From:

January 09, 2006

THE line between television and computer monitor is set to blur further with US internet giant Google going into partnership with media group CBS to sell programs online.
The landmark deal is the latest in a flurry of technology deals by traditional networks.

They are wooing the consumers they're losing over the air by making content available through new technology, such as Apple's new video iPod and Comcast's on-demand service.

"Ultimately, we will be living in a world of the smart television ... where you can do anything from the television or the PC via one device," said Robert Routh, a media analyst at Jefferies & Co.

"This is the first step in the convergence that has been talked about for years by major media companies," he said.

The Google Video Store will offer episodes from CBS's prime-time line-up and library, National Basketball Association games, Sony BMG music videos, news and archival material from ITN, cable programs and content from independent producers.

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The involvement of CBS, which will sell commercial-free reruns at $1.99 a pop and share revenue with Google, is the latest move promising to alter the relationship between viewers and TV networks.

One media executive questioned how many consumers would pay $1.99 to watch a show they can see for free on broadcast television.

"I would love to see these guys try an ad-supported model as well," said Tracey Scheppach, vice-president at media giant Starcom USA.

http://finance.news.com.au/story/0,10166,17762027-462,00.html