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Comcast to rival YouTube with online video service

A Comcast service van. (Photo: Flickr CC)
A Comcast service van. (Photo: Flickr CC)

Comcast Corporation is readying a new online video service platform that is intended to compete with user-generated multimedia websites like YouTube and DailyMotion, according to a report.

The Information’s Amir Efrati reported last week that Comcast will create a standalone online video portal with short-form content that could help the company expand its programming beyond pay television.

The project has been in the works for more than a year, Efrati said. Comcast only recently decided to move forward with the project following its decision to drop its proposed merger with rival pay television platform Time Warner Cable. Comcast initially told regulators it had no plans to compete with online video when it sought approval to merge with Time Warner Cable. Comcast abandoned its merger attempt last month in the face of possible regulatory hurdles.

It is unclear if Comcast would charge for access to the video service or if it will be supported by advertisements. Efrati reported Comcast could still scrap plans to launch the service if it shifts priorities toward new acquisitions or other products.

The Information: Comcast readies challenger to YouTube

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

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