WB to Launch Own Video Portal….because they can.
“Why can’t we all just get along?”
As if anyone has been clamoring for the lost episodes of the Gilmore Girls, Warner Brothers announced today that they will launch two of their own video portals. TheWB.com and KidsWB.com. The press release cited Mattel, McDonald’s and Johnson & Johnson as marketing partners, but wasn’t specific as to which (or both) properties.
My question - Why? Hulu is already doing some heavy lifting and creating the non-YouTube destination for high quality, licensed content from TV. Why not join in the fun, creating a bigger, better Hulu with even more of your favorite content? The release also cites multiple partners for multi-platform syndication including Comcast Cable, Fancast.com, AOL, a number of mobile carriers, and an application on Facebook for integration of Facebook’s social utility on TheWB.com, and TheWB.com’s entertainment content on Facebook. Clearly they are up for sharing their content.
The complaint I hear most (although seriously doubt its validity) is that people don’t know what stations their favorite programs are on. If you miss an episode of 30 Rock, they claim not to know to check NBC.com. But I can’t fathom that having a new URL/destination site that is named after a channel that no longer exists is going to help the matter. Glad I’m not jonesing for some Dawson’s Creek reruns. (please note the deep sarcasm) Seems like some major media companies will remain content with a fragmented media landscape.
Tags: hulu, KidsWB.com, online video, TheWB.com, WB
April 28th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
You say “fragmented” they say “targeted”
April 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
[...] Paula Neal Mooney wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptHulu is already doing some heavy lifting and creating the non-YouTube destination for high quality, licensed content from TV. Why not join in the fun, creating a bigger, better Hulu with even more of your favorite content? … [...]
April 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
[...] Miss604 wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptAs if anyone has been clamoring for the lost episodes of the Gilmore Girls, Warner Brothers announced today that they will launch two of their own video portals. TheWB.com and KidsWB.com. The press release cited Mattel, McDonald’s and … [...]
May 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Hi, some interesting thoughts there. If I can give a view from the Fancast side of the equation: there is obviously tons of content out there available today, something for everyone. The WB site will be a nice selection of WB offerings for that WB fan. Even the Dawson’s Creek lovers - yes there are many!
But if you are looking for a one-stop shop for everything from full-length TV shows (from classics like “Dragnet” and “Alfred Hitchcock” to “Mary Tyler Moore” and “Dick Van Dyke Show” to current hits like “Prison Break and “30 Rock’) I would ask you to give Fancast a try.
I’m obviously not a disinterested party, but I think Fancast offers an amazing library of free full episodes, clips, photos, entertainment news from top networks (including CBS, NBC, Fox, - and, yes, the WB), and also movie partners - again full-length and free! (eg. “Fever Pitch” with Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon is up right now, and, even as a Yankee fan, I like this movie!
Check out the list of the TV shows alone, it’s pretty astounding http://www.fancast.com/full_episodes
I think you and your readers might really find Fancast to be a great resource.
Cheers,
Jim (for fancast)
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Big fans of Fancast over here. Didn’t mean to imply otherwise. And the WB folks should certainly be giving you their content to add to your arsenal and already loyal audience.
I only meant to suggest that - as a TV network - Hulu makes for a very attractive alternative to building your own video portal.