July 23rd, 2007
MySpace to launch Internet TV show?
It’s being reported that News Corp-owned MySpace is about to get in on the Internet TV game, by commissioning its own online video show.
It has quietly without fanfare, media flair, or bidding warfare, struck a deal with some Hollywood talent, expecting this little group to start new broadcasts of their first original series. Unlike traditional stations on air, this time jumping right to online shows.
MySpace isn’t commenting, but the idea seems a perfectly valid one. Firstly, Murdoch and co. have a background in telly, and access to plenty of talent and muscle in the entertainment industry. Align this with the biggest social networking site on the planet — and the chances of success, on paper at least, look high.
Of course, MySpace won’t be the first social network to dabble in producing original online video: earlier this year Facebook launched its user-generated series, Facebook Diaries — which with a little professional help, made its way from online to cable TV. Then we have the Lonelygirl15 spin off, Kate Modern, which debuted on Bebo. The latter having a head start with its heritage in a proven Internet brand.
However, if the rumors are to be believed, these two previous examples are distant relatives, financially, as New-Corp. is said to be spending around $400,000 per episode. This is a far cry from the tiny / user-generated budgets of most original video content produced for the web.
Steve O'Hear is a London-based consultant, educator, and journalist, focussing on the Internet and all aspects of digital technology. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
