BSkyB To Launch Internet Ad Service

BSkyB has announced that it will be forming a joint venture with OzEmail, an Australian Internet provider, to launch an advertising service on the Internet.

Full details of the plan are expected to be announced next month though it is known that the project will deliver ad opportunities for Web sites around the globe. BSkyB will also have a two-year option to acquire two million OzEmail shares, which is 20% of the company.

BSkyB’s move into the world of the Internet is part of what seems to be a growing trend among large companies to become involved with additional and sometimes complex services for the Internet other than just setting up a website. Last week for example it emerged that Microsoft is planning an Internet TV service *Microsoft To Launch Internet TV and CNN has said that it will be sending personalised news bulletins from its global news services to individuals via e-mail * CNN To Send Personalised News; developments which seem to indicate that large businesses are beginning to take the Internet seriously as a money-making avenue.

* MediaTel subscribers only

BSkyB: 0171 705 3000