CBS embarks on major digital push with ad-supported content

CBS Corp. will team with the nation’s three largest wireless network operators on an aggressive effort to offer free, ad-supported content across computers, mobile phones and other devices.
The network said it will provide content from a rotating list of shows including “Survivor,” “CBS Evening News,” “Late Show with David Letterman” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” as well as programming from its archives. CBS unveiled a host of mobile partners for the initiative including Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corp. and MediaFLO USA Inc.; online distributors will include AOL, Microsoft Corp., Comcast and Sling Media.
The move builds on previous efforts by CBS to extend the reach of its digital content onto platforms including Apple Inc.’s iPod and Microsoft’s Xbox. The network said it will begin selling ad inventory “in the coming weeks.”
“It’s really all about the user and in building the CBS Interactive Audience Network, we are bringing our content to each unique platform of their choice,” said Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive. “In remaining open to all online distributors and community builders-big and small-we can learn more about our existing audience, be exposed to new ones, and flexibly cater to their changing consumption habits.”