RDF unveils comedy content portal

by John Reynolds, Media Week 27-Jun-08, 15:45

LONDON - Independent producer RDF's digital unit is to launch its first consumer content business, video site Comedydemon.com, next Wednesday, 2 July.

The comedy portal will offer comedy shows from both TV and online, as well as streamed short clips and full-length programmes via download, featuring episodes of the nation's favourite television comedies.

Shows on offer will include Peep Show, The Catherine Tate Show, and Dad's Army.

In addition to more than 1,000 hours of paid-for, downloadable, long-form programming, there will be 2,000 free short-form clips, featuring content from the BBC, Channel 4, Aardman Animations and Talkback Thames.

Debbie Manners, group commercial director of RDF Media and managing director of Comedydemon.com, said: "Comedy Demon is ground breaking for us in that it is RDF's first direct-to-consumer content business.

"This means we will need to be responsive and learn to understand the audience firsthand, unlike TV production, where the broadcaster owns that relationship."

RDF is negotiating licensing agreements with around ten third-party content providers, to boost Comedydemon.com's product line-up.