Turner Invests in Funny or Die

NEW YORK: Turner Broadcasting System has taken a minority stake in the digital comedy outfit Funny or Die, which was founded by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy.

Turner’s digital sales team will serve as the exclusive seller of advertising opportunities with Funny or Die. Turner’s TBS and Adult Swim entertainment networks, along with select digital properties, will collaborate with Funny or Die, in a move to accelerate the digital content provider’s sales and firm up all three brands’ positions as leading comedy destinations.

"While we are incredibly excited about how this partnership will catalyze our growth and make Funny or Die an even better place for comedic talent, we are even more excited about the opportunities this will open up to brands and advertisers to create far-reaching, hilariously funny cross-platform content and messaging," said Dick Glover, the president and CEO of Funny or Die. "TBS, Adult Swim, Turner Digital Sales and the rest of the Turner organization are a fantastic fit with us in all ways. Plus, we are instantly gaining an even larger sales staff, something it would take us years to develop. This is very cool."

"We’re thrilled by our acquisition of Turner," added Adam McKay, co-founder of Funny or Die. "We’re now taking a long hard look at Viacom. These are heady days over here at Funny or Die."