Katalyst, Ustream in Online Tie-Up

MOUNTAIN VIEW: The online video platform Ustream and Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Media are combining their content and technology offerings to bring live, interactive and original programming to audiences online.

Katalyst, behind shows such as Punk’d and Beauty and the Geek, will take advantage of Ustream’s live streaming capabilities to create Punk’d-style experiences, among other efforts. Katalyst is also looking to utilize Ustream’s live stream viewing application for the iPhone, which has seen more than 1 million downloads such its January launch.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Katalyst Media team including Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg to push the limits on how we view the online content experience,” said John Ham, Ustream’s founder and CEO. “Our agreement equips one of the most innovative media companies with cutting-edge technology. We cannot wait to see what emerges from this creative powder keg.”

“Real-time interactivity is becoming increasingly important in online entertainment,” said Kutcher, the co-founder of Katalyst Media. “Katalyst is proud to join with Ustream to bring new and innovative entertainment experiences to web audiences worldwide. We believe that live video online represents an entirely new genre of entertainment category production. We look forward to helping define this new category with Ustream.”