Myspace Unveils New Social TV Service

LAS VEGAS: In an exclusive partnership with Panasonic and its Viera Connect platform, Myspace is launching a new social TV service, Myspace TV, that will allow users to discuss and comment on the programs they’re watching as well as discover new content and join fan communities.

Launching in the first half of 2012, Myspace TV is initially going to be focused on music programming. With some 42 million songs, combined with more than 100,000 music videos, the channels will expand to include news, sports and reality TV. Myspace will integrate the service with its social networking platform. A companion app will be available on tablets and smartphones, providing instant sync capabilities.

Justin Timberlake, co-owner of Myspace, said: “It feels like forever ago that we’d all get together around the set and watch the Cosbys. Along the way, TV stopped being a shared experience, and just became something you consume whenever you have a minute alone. But the problem is that people want to share and talk about what’s happening with their favorite shows and characters. Myspace is all about creating an experience where people can connect to what they’re passionate about and connect with each other based on that shared love.”

“Myspace was the first successful social network because it allowed individuals to share their interests, listen to music, express their creativity and connect around the things they love,” added Myspace’s CEO, Tim Vanderhook. “Historically, TV has been a shared experience, as people gathered together to watch their favorite programs. Our belief was that we could enhance the TV experience by increasing viewers’ ability to connect to both content and each other. By partnering with Panasonic, we’re bringing together the content that people love and a social experience in one service: Myspace TV.”