HBO has announced that it has formed a partnership with AOL to create a new Internet channel that features original programming.
The new site will be called "This Just In," and will not offer anything that isn't original. None of the existing full-length television shows will be part of the deal. The channel will replace AOL Comedy that is now offered. Both companies are divisions of Time Warner Inc.(TWX).
From the standpoint of HBO, this offers them a chance to test all sorts of things that, if they are received well by the viewers, could then be incorporated into the regular HBO cable network rotation.
I think this is a move that should pay great dividends for both companies. It takes advantage of the strengths of the Internet, while offering inexpensive ways to experiment and see what fans like before making full commitment to projects. It should help AOL even more in its online traffic.
Steve Stanford was chosen to head the new service. He is the founder of the online comedy site Icebox.com and co-founder of mobile service Amp'd.
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