Microsoft Expands EU Video Reach With MTV & Sony BMG Deals

SEATTLE (Hypebot) –Microsoft today ramped up its MSN Video strategy for the UK and Western Europe announcing deals with MTV Networks International (MTVNI) and Sony BMG. MSN Video viewers can now watch content on the web from MTV shows, videos and exclusive footage of Sony BMG’s roster on top of the existing selection of global and local news and other entertainment videos plus user generated content on MSN Video’s Soapbox.

Speaking at Microsoft’s Visions for Video event, Rob Crossen, Portal Business Manager, MSN UK, explained “Online video has exploded in the last year and we’re seeing growing competition…

for consumer’s eyeballs as traditional media companies and new players enter the game. As advertisers follow these eyeballs, online video advertising is expected to be the fastest growing ad category on the web for the foreseeable future."

“Our vision for MSN UK is to provide what we coin the social portal, combining content that informs and entertains with social networking via Windows Live services for our audience. Video is a key element of that social portal, with our goal being to offer our audiences the best content around.

“We’ve based our video strategy around three pillars. Firstly, innovative technology that makes viewing easy and enjoyable, fostering community and sharing across multiple services and devices. Secondly, forging strong partnerships with leading publishers and premium content owners, like MTVNI and SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Thirdly, integrated advertising opportunities that are less disruptive on the consumer’s viewing experience and highly effective for advertisers,” said Crossen.