USA Today reports that CBS unveiled 'Innertube,' a new broadband entertainment service that joins a growing list of Web-based venues for original and recycled TV content.
The ad-supported service, located at cbs.com/innertube, is free to viewers. It targets young Web surfers � in contrast to CBS' typically older audience � and includes three types of content:
-Original fare such as 'Greek to Chic,' a hookup and makeover series for frat boys; 'Inturn,' a reality show about actor hopefuls competing for a spot on CBS soap As the World Turns; and sketch comedy 'BBQ Bill.'
-Companion interviews and behind-the-scenes segments from CBS entertainment shows, including 'Survivor' and 'The Amazing Race.'
-Streamed episodes of older or cancelled series, such as the spring drama 'Love Monkey,' last summer's comedy-reality series 'Fire Me ... Please' and shows from Paramount's syndication library, possibly including titles such as 'The Brady Bunch.'
But Innertube comes amid "a quantum leap in advertiser support for Web video" fueled by large increases in broadband distribution, says CBS Digital Media President Larry Kramer. This spring, visitors to CBS' SportsLine saw 5 million video streams of NCAA college basketball tournament games, earning CBS $4 million in ad revenue. "We do know the ad community is lined up to support it," Kramer says.
The ad-supported service, located at cbs.com/innertube, is free to viewers. It targets young Web surfers � in contrast to CBS' typically older audience � and includes three types of content:
-Original fare such as 'Greek to Chic,' a hookup and makeover series for frat boys; 'Inturn,' a reality show about actor hopefuls competing for a spot on CBS soap As the World Turns; and sketch comedy 'BBQ Bill.'
-Companion interviews and behind-the-scenes segments from CBS entertainment shows, including 'Survivor' and 'The Amazing Race.'
-Streamed episodes of older or cancelled series, such as the spring drama 'Love Monkey,' last summer's comedy-reality series 'Fire Me ... Please' and shows from Paramount's syndication library, possibly including titles such as 'The Brady Bunch.'
But Innertube comes amid "a quantum leap in advertiser support for Web video" fueled by large increases in broadband distribution, says CBS Digital Media President Larry Kramer. This spring, visitors to CBS' SportsLine saw 5 million video streams of NCAA college basketball tournament games, earning CBS $4 million in ad revenue. "We do know the ad community is lined up to support it," Kramer says.