OnDemand Online

Scripps, Rainbow Join the Authentication Bandwagon

Peter Kafka in Media on June 24, 2009 at 3:17 pm PT

Comcast was mum about other cable networks it has persuaded to join its “OnDemand Online” program, which will offer TV shows over the Web to its customers. But word is getting out anyway. The people who bring you Food Network and AMC, for instance, have signed on.

Web TV You’ll Need to Pay to See: Time Warner, Comcast Roll Out “Authentication.” Who Else Is In?

Peter Kafka in Media on June 24, 2009 at 3:00 am PT

Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts will announce this morning that their two companies are linking up for a trial of an “authentication” effort. That means a handful of cable subscribers will get online access to Time Warner TV shows that have been previously kept off the Web. The idea is to protect cable subscription revenues by giving pay TV subscribers–but only subscribers–Web access to all the shows they get on TV. It’s a simple idea, but making it a reality will be very, very complicated.

Comcast’s Digital Deal Guy: “We’re Ready For Pitches”*

Peter Kafka in Media on March 24, 2009 at 8:15 am PT

In today’s deal-parched climate, “$50 million today is like $300 million two years ago.” Here’s someone who can take advantage of the new math: Sam Schwartz, who oversees strategy and M&A for Comcast’s digital group. Schwartz has already guided the cable giant through a shopping spree during the past few years, and while he’s too cautious to say it with force, he’s clearly interested in bulking up some more. And unlike some of his peers, he has the green light to do so: “We’re ready for pitches” he says.