AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

From: informITV

Joost, the online video service, is apparently preparing to scale back its global ambitions in order to concentrate on the United States market. Media reports suggest that the service is realigning its strategy after failing to convince media and sports rights holders to licence material on a global basis. Comments from insiders suggest that Joost is being squeezed on all fronts.

The Sunday Times reports that Joost is planning a “major retrenchment” — despite denials from the company. “We are not shedding staff” responded a Joost representative. “There are some situations where staff have been realigned to better fit our needs.”

Joost is moving its technical operations from The Netherlands to New York. Many of its major investors, including CBS and Viacom, are also based in the United States.

As recently reported by informitv, Joost has hired former CableLabs chief scientist and ex-Comcast engineer Jason Gaedtke as chief architect. He will report to Matt Zelesko, the head of engineering who was himself brought in from Comcast Interactive Media.

It follows the little lamented departure in January of its chief technology officer Dirk-Willem van Gulik to become chief technical architect of the future media and technology group of the BBC, reportedly after his contract with Joost was terminated.…more….