Viacom plans access to MTV videoclips on web

by Joanne Payne, Brand Republic 14-Feb-07, 14:25

LONDON - Viacom is reportedly laying the groundwork to allow people to upload videos from a number of its websites to post on personal blogs and sites.

The move by Viacom, which owns channels such as MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon, would mean that shows such as 'Laguna Beach' and 'Real World' may become available to upload.

In an interview this week, Mika Salmi, president of global digital media for MTV Networks, said: "We need to open up our websites and content both for consumers and for other companies."

This idea will allow Viacom to lean less heavily on video sharing websites such as YouTube to reach potential new viewers. Viacom recently demanded the Google-owned UGC site took 100,000 video clips owned by Viacom down from the site.

This move means that the company will also be able to control its own media and advertising on the web more effectively.

It was reported this week that MTV Networks plans to cut 250 jobs in order to concentrate on its internet offerings.