Jongleurs prepares summer launch of online TV service

The chain of comedy clubs that made names such as Jack Dee and Graham Norton famous officially went into administration at the end of last year under Walkabout and Old Orleans pub group owner, Regent Inns.

However, the business is planning to make a comeback under the management of original owners John Davy and Maria Kempinska.

As part of its online marketing push, Jongleurs has hired digital agency 10Duke. The agency will assist with the distribution and monetisation of Jongleurs video content online and via mobiles.

Having already opened four new clubs nationwide, including one in Hammersmith, London and Bristol, Davy said Jongleurs is still looking to open an additional 18 venues by Christmas.

One will be placed in London's West End, while others will be spread around Nottingham, Oxford, Luton and London's Notting Hill.

In addition, Jongleurs will also broadcast two half hour live shows as well as short clips on Jongluers.com.

The content plus two additional exclusive shows will then be syndicated on Sky channels Dave and Gold.

Content will also be syndicated via social networking platforms including Facebook, MySpace, and Orkut and users will be encouraged to share the clips with friends.

The TV service will be both ad funded and paid-for with prices ranging from £3 for premium content. Free content will be funded through pre roll and static ads.

The comedy club is also in talks with mobile operators to offer paid for downloadable comedy clips especially designed for mobile.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk