YOUTUBE will unveil a new advertising model today. Semi-transparent overlays will appear on the bottom of videos a few seconds after each clip begins. Viewers will be able to close the overlay, click it to launch an advertisement, or wait for it to fade away. YouTube tested formats with 200 advertisers, and found this approach was 5 to 10 times more effective than other advertising models.
APPLE has convinced European mobile operators to share revenue from iPhone-based calling and data plans. Three European mobile operators have signed a contract agreeing to hand over ten percent of iPhone-related revenue to Apple. T-Mobile of Germany, Orange of France, and O2 in the UK are all parties in the agreement.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS has issued DTV-education packets for legislators in Washington. Every member of Congress has received an education toolkit, including a Powerpoint presentation, sample press release, and a bilingual newsletter insert about the upcoming digital transition. Lawmakers and industry associations have been increasingly raising the alarm about the lack of awareness of the upcoming analog shutdown.
YAHOO has inked a deal with VIACOM-owned COMEDY CENTRAL to offer clips from The Daily Show online this week. The trial run could mark a shift in strategy for Viacom. Until now, the conglomerate has tried to keep a tight lid on its own content. This is the first time The Daily Show will be legally available online, outside of Comedy Central’s own online video site.
WAL-MART has begun selling DRM-free music tracks online. Music from Universal Music Group and EMI will be available in the unprotected format. Tracks are available for 94 cents, and albums for $9.22. Wal-Mart is currently the #1 seller of recorded music.