LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Fast-growing viral-video Web site http://www.YouTube.com is teaming with E! Networks in support of a new broadband offering from the cable programmer.
E! is spinning off a segment of its series "The Soup" into its own online channel called Cybersmack, a compilation of user-generated video clips that satirize pop culture. Cybersmack launches Friday along with a $25,000 prize for the best Cybersmack clip.
E! will spread the word on the new channel with help from YouTube, which has eclipsed Internet giants including Yahoo and Google in the viral-video category, delivering 30 million videos per day. YouTube will provide multiple links to the E! venture on its homepage and exhibit clips of other E! programming.
The partnership is the latest example of how YouTube is attempting to forge links with established media players even as some conglomerates have clamped down on the site for hosting copyright-infringing material. While NBC Universal and CBS Corp. have forced the site to dump illegal footage, brands including MTV2 and Dimension Films have joined forces with YouTube to help promote their offerings.
"We see this partnership as a sort of mash-up between the E! Television viewing audience and the YouTube community, bringing the two together to promote compelling TV shows through entertaining short clips," YouTube co-founder and CEO Chad Hurley said.
In January, E! launched the Vine (at) E! Online, a broadband mix of original content and recycled fare from the network's programs, including "E! News" and "Live From the Red Carpet." Cybersmack will be part of Vine.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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