US internet TV service Brightcove launches in the UK
Brightcove, the US internet television service, is launching in the UK today in a bid to capitalise on the growing demand for online video in Europe. It has also announced a deal with Hachette Filipacchi to launch services across its magazine portfolio.
The first service will be launched on ElleUK.com and will include daily coverage of fashion events, beauty, style and travel tips.
Brightcove, which launched in 2004, provides a system via which major media companies can launch their own internet TV services. It works with Dow Jones, CBS, Discovery Communications, MTV and Fox Entertainment Group in the US.
Sony BMG, EMAP’s Heat Magazine and IPC-owned Nuts have already reached agreements with Brightcove to launch internet TV under those brands.
Brightcover chief executive Jeremy Allair says: “The internet is changing the way video content is distributed and this has a direct impact for mainstream media companies. Bringing our multi-layered approach to Europe gives media owners in the region the highest degree of choice and control over the distribution and monetisation of their internet video content.”
The company is opening an office in Soho, London as a base for its European expansion plans. It is backed by US investors including AOL, Time Warner, The New York Times and The Hearst Corporation and has raised $82m to fund growing European operations.
