Microsoft Launches TV Service On Instant Messenger

Microsoft has signed deals with EMI and Channel 4 to launch a TV offering on its instant messenger service.

The service, called “Messenger TV”, is being rolled out across Europe and will feature “best of Channel 4 clips” and music videos from EMI artists, according to a report on MediaGuardian.co.uk.

Messenger TV will also be able to access content from Microsoft’s wider existing video offering, which includes programming from ITN, Reuters and National Geographic.

Jon Gisby, Channel 4 director of new media and technology, said: “Our core audience is spending increasing amounts of time online and expect to be able to watch their favourite Channel 4 shows this way.

“We are building relationships with premier brands, such as MSN, to ensure easy access to this high quality content across the internet. We know our viewers enjoy sharing clips with friends and linking back to Channel4.com where they can catch up on full episodes online, and adding this additional social element will I’m sure be of great appeal.”

Peter Bale, executive producer at MSN UK, said: “This is the first time we have taken video in a meaningful way to a younger audience that might not visit MSN video.”

The news follows the announcement last week that Yahoo! has scrapped its bid for Yahoo! (see Microsoft Drops Yahoo! Bid).

Microsoft: www.microsoft.com