MICROSOFT is seeking a minority stake in FACEBOOK. In recent weeks, Microsoft has offered to purchase a 5% stake in the social-networking site, for between $300 million and $500 million. The offer would value Facebook at up to $10 billion. Google has also expressed interested in buying part of Facebook. The site is looking to raise capital to grow its infrastructure, increase its workforce, and finance acquisitions.
NBC has signed a deal with COX to offer its shows on-demand. The trial-run will offer ad-supported episodes of five NBC shows, including “30 Rock and “Friday Night Lights,” the day following network broadcast. Fast-forwarding will be disabled, to prevent ad-skipping. The trial is limited to Cox systems in two California communities.
ECHOSTAR has purchased SLING MEDIA in a deal worth $380 million. Sling offers the popular Slingbox, which allows user to watch their home TVs from anywhere, over the Internet. EchoStar was an early investor in Sling.
NIELSEN has launched Hey! Nielsen, a new social-networking site. The network aims to be a hub for all things pop culture — letting users discuss TV shows, movies, music, and more. The site will help Nielsen gather demographic information and data about viewer interests. A Spanish version of the site — dubbed “Oye! Nielsen” – will launch in January.
THE CW will premiere two new fall shows online. The shows will stream ad-free on Yahoo TV one week before their broadcast premiere. The first show – “Aliens” – will be available starting today.
OXYGEN has created a branded YouTube channel, and will use it to offer original content. The channel will host Oxygen clips, out-takes, and other exclusive footage. Oxygen President Mary Murano described the move as an attempt to reach the audience “on every platform that’s available to women.”