TV.com Inks Deal with Five

LONDON: CBS Interactive’s TV.com has clinched a deal to make long-form content from British broadcaster Five, such as Neighbours and Home and Away, available on its online entertainment destination in the U.K.

Beginning today, the U.K. site for TV.com (uk.tv.com) will feature programs that are available on Five’s catch-up TV service, Demand Five, shortly after broadcast. TV.com users will also be able to access around 250 hours of Five’s archive content. The content is free of charge and only accessible to users in the U.K. In-video advertising will be sold by Five and display advertising will be sold by CBS Interactive. The agreement marks the first major deal for long-form content in Europe for TV.com.

Jonathan Lewis, Five’s head of digital media, said: “Our partnership with TV.com is further example of Five’s strategy to expand and grow the reach of its content beyond the small screen to premium secure digital platforms. I’m delighted to have been able to strike a deal with one of the most innovative and interesting players in online TV that will make it easier than ever before for new and younger audiences to discover Five’s fabulous lineup of shows.”

Jill Orr, managing director and VP of CBS Interactive UK, added: “With the addition of Five’s content, TV.com continues its mission to be a place for TV entertainment in the U.K. It’s not enough today to just rebroadcast television shows online—people go online for the community interaction and no one is better at building thriving online communities around content than TV.com. The content feeds off the community, creating a deeper connection between the fans and their favorite TV shows.”