Advertisers in talks over Joost launch

Ian Darby, Campaign 06-Apr-07

Joost, the internet TV service set to launch in May, is finalising details of its packages to advertisers, and is in talks with several global brands.

It is offering exclusive access to 20 advertisers for the first three
months of the launch. One agency source said that advertisers were being
asked to pay $100,000 for the initial trial.

Advertisers said to be in advanced talks with Joost include Unilever,

Philips and Intel. Sources said the advertising model on offer is
"fairly traditional" and involves the equivalent of traditional TV spots
around programming.

Joost was thought to have been in talks with one media holding company
about exclusive access for its clients, but this deal was not
concluded.

Separately, Drum PHD has signed a deal with Joost to have a channel on
the website devoted to its ad-funded programming for clients.

Hype around Joost has been building since it was announced last year
that the Skype founders, Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, were working
on the project. It is currently at beta test stage, and claims to offer
"the best of TV and the best of the internet" and will be available to
viewers for free.