Apple Removes NBC - MediaBytes 12.03.2007

APPLE has removed all NBC content from iTunes. The contract between the two parties has expired and no new agreement is in place. NBC content accounted for 30% of iTunes TV show sales.

AOL has canceled its paid download service and partnered with AMAZON Unbox for digital download sales. Unbox content has been given its own section on AOL Video and also been integrated into the site's search results. AOL will focus its own internal efforts on offering free, ad-supported video content.

YOUTUBE continues to dominate online video, according to the latest Video Metrix report released by comScore. During September, YouTube garnered over 27% of online video traffic in the U.S. and nearly 40% of Internet users visited the site. The overall average length of an online video in September was 2.7 minutes.

VIVENDI will acquire a controlling stake in ACTIVISION, merge the company with its own gaming division and form a new company called Activision Blizzard. Vivendi will end up owning 68% of the new entity. The deal is expected to make Activision Blizzard the video game industry leader in terms of revenue.

COMEDY CENTRAL will make Atom.com its new home for original online content and will triple its investment in making videos for the web. The Atom site will allow the network to separate its original online content from its major TV properties, such as the Daily Show and the Colbert Report. Comedy Central hopes that creating a dedicated destination will help its original Internet content find an audience.

KEVIN MARTIN reportedly has the support of a majority of FCC members to cap the market share of cable companies at 30%. Comcast currently has a 27% share and the regulation would prevent much further growth for the company. The proposal will face an official vote on December 18.

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