NBC, Microsoft weigh CNN challenge; news venture would be on TV and PCs; costs may be divided evenly
Article Abstract:
NBC and Microsoft are considering collaborating on a project to develop a 24-hour news channel linked to an interactive on-line video service. The two companies have tentatively overcome some distribution obstacles, and now are discussing the remaining unresolved issues. The key strategy in this alliance is a link between the cable network and the on-line service. Each venue would carry promotions for the other. The venture still faces some obstacles. Delivering video to a PC remains expensive and relatively archaic. This will not change until modems that connect to cable-TV lines are available, and these devices are not expected to be available until mid-1996. It is also unclear whether the channel would be delivered over the Internet, or only to Microsoft users. Both companies are motivated to work out the details. NBC has long sought an all-news channel, while Microsoft has actively sought content to increase its software's value.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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America Online enters crowded field in Europe with Bertelsmann alliance
Article Abstract:
America Online and partners Bertelsmann AG and Deutsche Telekom are preparing to introduce a German version of the America Online online information service, but the partners face stiff competition from European-based and US-based online service providers. America Online is late to the European market. US rivals including Prodigy and Microsoft's Microsoft Network already offer European versions of their services. European-based online service providers include Planet Internet in Holland, Europe Online in Luxembourg and Italia Online in Italy. All of the online service providers, whose services are proprietary, face strong competition from Internet access providers, whose services are open. American Online claims that its service will prevail because it offers speed, ease-of-use, competitive pricing and strong content. America Online's partner, Bertelsmann, plans to offer online versions of its huge magazine collections.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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