Watercooler extends partnership with Hulu, broadcast networks

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008

Watercooler Inc., a platform that enables sports and TV fans to engage with their favorite teams and shows within social networks, has expanded its partnership with online video service Hulu to use its new player for full-screen shows from Fox and NBC.

Watercooler has also entered a content agreement with ABC through which Watercooler can serve full-length HD episodes, promo video clips, news and photographic content, from ABC within applications on social networks.

“When networks are thinking about their online video distribution strategy a big part has always been reaching that younger audience on the social networks where they spend a large part of their time online,” said Kevin Chou, CEO of Watercooler. “We're unique in that our service spans across all of the major social networks.” Chou said previously broadcast networks would have to strike separate deals with each of these social networks.

Watercooler currently works with Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Hi5 and Friendster and has more than 24 million registered fans across these networks.

Chou said this technology also adds value for advertisers. “Not only can they use prerolls and midrolls, but advertisers can reach the audience while they're discussing the show afterwards, during quizzes and trivia games,” he said. “It's really a very integrated approach where advertisers can reach the audience on multiple touch points.

Source: DM News