MySpace is 'social focus group' in TV deal

11 April 2008

Social network MySpace has signed a deal with TV production firm ShineReveille to air web shows on global television networks.

Under the deal, shows from MySpaceTV including Roommates and Quarterlife will be distributed on television and DVD outside of the US.

The deal comes as TV networks have begun to explore alternatives to the commissioning of expensive pilot episodes, of which only a small proportion become full series. Commenting on the news, Travis Katz, head of MySpace's international arm, said: "MySpace is essentially the world's largest focus group."

However, critics have pointed to the poor ratings of web-originated shows that have transferred to TV. When Quarterlife, a show about young adults, aired on the NBC network in the US, it attracted only 3.1 million viewers. It had achieved 5.5 million views on MySpace.

"[The internet] hasn't produced bankable shows outside of the internet, or even on the internet," commented Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey.

"If you look at [internet shows], there's a good reason why – it's mostly bad."

ShineReveille is part of Shine Group, run by Elizabeth Murdoch. MySpace's parent company, News International, is owned by her father Rupert Murdoch.

Category: Other, Social media, Video sharing