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Another TV Network Launches Online Channel

Broadcasting and Cable reports that USA Network is launching a broadband Web site, pairing with Yahoo! TV to stream one series and offering episodes of two other series on video-on-demand (VOD) before they premiere on TV.

As part of its upfront pitch to advertisers, USA is expected to announce plans for a broadband video channel. The online hub, CharacterClique, will feature user-generated content, Webisodes from original series and other short-form programming.

The NBC Universal-owned cable channel has also paired with Yahoo! TV, which will exclusively stream a highlights episode of original drama The 4400 beginning May 21. On May 29, the special will rerun on usanetwork.com and fellow NBC U-owned site scifi.com, before premiering June 4 on NBC U�s USA, Sci Fi and Bravo cable networks. The 4400 will be featured heavily on USA�s broadband site with an interactive diary, podcasts and blogs from the series� cast members, writers and producers.

USA will also become the first NBC U cable network to premiere episodes of its original series on several cable operators� free VOD before they launch on TV. The new season of Monk and the series premiere of Psych will premiere on VOD June 30, a week before they run on TV. After that, digital-cable subscribers can view short clips and extra footage from Monk on VOD.

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