Hugely popular social networking Web site MySpace has today penned a new deal with a UK-based company that will see its MySpaceTV shows made available for the first time outside of the United States.
MySpaceTV signs on with Shine Group to distribute its shows beyond the Internet. Credit: MySpace.
While the move will open the likes of MySpaceTV shows Quarterlife, Roommates and Special Delivery to the consumption of a much more international audience, there are some sources who are noting the distinct ‘keep it in the family’ nature of the deal.
Specifically, MySpaceTV has signed on for distribution and merchandising with London-based Shine Group, which is made up of a collection of creative TV companies helmed by Elizabeth Murdoch, the daughter of media titan Rupert Murdoch, who just so happens to own MySpace via parent company News Corp.
Localised MySpaceTV content is expected to arrive in all 26 countries covered by the social network, with original content also likely to be integrated throughout those countries too.
“MySpace is essentially the world’s largest focus group,” outlined Travis Katz, head of MySpace’s international arm, when announcing the Shine Group deal at the recent MipTV conference held earlier this month in Cannes. “You can see what resonates with people and then take that content and blow it out worldwide.”
This is not the first time that MySpace has tried to channel its original shows beyond Internet boundaries onto more conventional television delivery. American broadcaster NBC picked up Quarterlife this past February but promptly dropped it when the show failed to register any interest with the network’s viewers.
Popular shows created and distributed by the Shine Group include Life on Mars, Spooks, Hustle, The Friday Night Project, Masterchef and Kill it, Cook it, Eat it.
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