CBS + Joost: What's Up in That Marriage?

CBS is apparently about to unveil its own Web-based video player. It's in the middle of swallowing CNET. Is it still interested in giving a boost to Joost?

Ad Age reports that CBS this week will unveil a next-generation video player on its site, built on technology CBS bought through Last.fm. The story quotes CBS's interactive TV chief Quincy Smith saying, "You need a core tech team in-house that builds this stuff." Which certainly makes it sound like CBS isn't so keen on relying on partner Joost.

CBS was part of an investment team that pumped $45 million into Joost, and CBS is Joost's most prominant video partner. As I wrote in Portfolio in April, Joost has not become the Web video superstar many expected. More recent stories speculate that investors are becoming ambivalent about Joost. Meanwhile, Joost rival Hulu is zooming. Hulu is backed by Fox and NBC Universal.

I have e-mails out to Joost to find out how this effects the company. I'll let you know what I hear.

UPDATE: Just got this comment from a Joost spokesperson:

Joost and CBS have a great relationship and we continue to expand it. We're constantly adding a lot of great content from CBS to our library; in addition to regular refreshes of hit CBS shows, we've also added the Twin Peaks, Family Ties, Beverly Hills 90210 and The Love Boat series recently. We're happy to be a part of the CBS Interactive Network.

 

-- Kevin Maney