Inside AOL's bid to develop its own hot sites
Article Abstract:
America Online (AOL) is attempting to produce original on-line programming for its more than 10 million subscribers. AOL, which began as a distributor, now seeks to establish complete ownership and control over content through its subsidiary, AOL Studios. The challenging move would enable AOL to draw 100% of the revenue from related advertising. No company, including Microsoft, has established a profitable World Wide Web entertainment site. Some independent cyberspace suppliers express concerns that AOL would favor its in-house programming at their expense. AOL already charges some producers for prime placement, as opposed to paying for products. AOL leader Ted Leonsis welcomes comparisons between AOL's strategy and that of Tele-Communications (TCI), which introduced a controversial cable systems plan. TCI used its local cable systems influence to push for equity stakes in new channels that must be broadcasted on those systems.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The squeeze; too many PCS providers are chasing the same market, and the result isn't pretty
Article Abstract:
The large numbers of wireless communications companies promising customers lower prices, better quality, longer phone-battery life and a varity of features such as wireless electronic mail is having an effect on the industry. For consumers its a wonderful situtation, but for the companies its beginning to have painful results. Several companies are scraping to find the money they owe the FCC for their licenses, such as NextWave Telecom. Pocket Communications has already declared bankruptcy and Omnipoint and 360 Communications have falling stock prices. Analysts are predicting that if companies can just hang in there they will see a rise in profits int the future. The number of wireless subscribers in the US is expected to jump from 17% of the population to 50% in the first decade of the 21 century.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The holy grail; CellularVision's grasp may exceed its reach, but it's a quest worth watching
Article Abstract:
CellularVision's goal is to offer consumers to option of wireless telephone, cable and Internet access bundled together into a single services package. The lack of wires results in less infrastructure and additional bandwidth. It also means that customers will have a cheaper, more convenient service. CellularVision is facing several challenges as it attempts to implement this wireless service. One problem to company is dealing with is reputation in the past for not meeting its ambitious distribution predictions. Problems with the company's technology, local multipoint distribution system (LMDS), have also arisen. LMDS is restricted to cells or a small, flat antenna, which then communicates with larger antennas.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Ameritech's long-distance bid expected to fail. Now there's a way to reach your files from all your PCs
- Abstracts: Netscape, battling Microsoft, focuses on intranets. TCI takes back $125 million stake in Microsoft Network as strategies shift
- Abstracts: In Japan, phones on go and talk is cheaper. To chief of Airtouch, a deal seizes a 'Bell opportunity'. Omnipoint may eliminate roaming fees
- Abstracts: AOL's operating income soars, but firm delays reporting net
- Abstracts: Organizational learning and purchase-supply relations in Japan: Hitachi, Matsushita, and Toyota compared. The dynamics of Samsung's technological learning in semiconductors