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Viacom Moves to Panama

Apr 10, 2007  •  Post A Comment

Panama, Yahoo’s newly launched search marketing system, landed a big client Tuesday with Viacom’s announcement of a multiyear partnership that makes Yahoo the sole provider of sponsored search and contextual ads for its 33 broadband sites.

The deal comes barely a month after Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit against video-sharing site YouTube, and its parent company Google, for intentional copyright infringement.

“Viacom is a global leader in entertainment that shares Yahoo’s commitment to connecting users to the content, products and services for which they are looking while respecting copyrights and other intellectual property rights at the same time,” said Terry Semel, chairman and CEO of Yahoo. “Aligning Viacom’s popular brands, leading content and large audience with Yahoo’s more targeted, relevant advertising marks the beginning of a powerful and engaging partnership between our two companies.”

The agreement includes the possibility of expanding the ads to more than 140 additional Viacom sites worldwide. Currently included are MTV.com, VH1.com, Nickelodeon.com, comedycentral.com and BET.com.

On these sites, a search box will be provided that allows users to search a specific site or the entire Web. Marketing content will be woven into the Viacom sites, with search results showing both paid search listings and, using Yahoo’s Content Match delivery program, relevant ads alongside the text.

“Yahoo has made impressive strides with its new search marketing system,” said Philippe Dauman, president and CEO of Viacom. “As a global leader in content for every screen and platform, we couldn’t be more pleased to have them as a partner, and we look forward to growing our relationship even more over time.”



(Editor: Horowitz)