Michael Eisner Archives

Struum to Aggregate Content from Many Streaming Services

By Debra Kaufman
January 11, 2021

Co-founded by former Discovery and Disney executives, Struum is a new entrant to the streaming space that, rather than offering its own content, instead hopes to find a niche in helping viewers manage the flood of content available from hundreds of streaming services. It will provide viewers á la carte access to shows and movies without having to subscribe to each platform, giving visibility to smaller services. Former Disney chief executive Michael Eisner’s The Tornante Company is Struum’s main financial backer.

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Will YouTube become Next-Gen Content Provider with New Channels?

By Rob Scott
October 31, 2011

Media companies and well-known personalities are lined up as YouTube gets ready to produce original content for 100 online video channels.
Sources indicate Google is dedicating $100 million to the initiative, aimed at transforming YouTube into a next-gen cable-like platform for specialized video channels.
“The Internet search giant on Friday said it had signed major deals with Hollywood to bring professional, high-quality programming to YouTube that could help it increase the time viewers spend watching videos on the site and attract more advertisers,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
The company is also launching a software update to Google TV, designed to integrate with the new content.
“The partnerships that YouTube announced Friday with dozens of media companies, production companies and online-video creators will generate about 25 hours of new programming each day for YouTube.”
Michael Eisner’s digital studio Vuguru, Stan Lee’s POW Entertainment and television production company Magical Elves are a few of the early partnerships. Celebrity channels will feature personalities such as Ashton Kutcher, Amy Poehler and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.

Next-Gen Live Interactive Broadcasting with GabCast.TV

By Rob Scott
May 16, 2011

Live online video platform GabCast.TV launched its alpha version today and is broadcasting free interactive shows. The site is similar to other live video streaming services (such as Ustream or Justin.tv), but as Mashable reports, “the focus, design and purpose is unique” in that it enables each user to become “a reality star on the next generation of TV.”

The GabCast.TV team is not short of heavy-hitters. It was co-founded by Emmy-winning producer Paul Wagner and former NBC chairman Fred Silverman (additionally, high-profile advisors include former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and former ABC and Yahoo exec Lloyd Braun). Wagner explains that GabCast goes beyond YouTube, Ustream and Justin.tv by providing streaming video that focuses on greater engagement and stronger interactivity.

At its core, GabCast essentially turns video chats into live programs that are “hosted” by individuals or multiple users with an emphasis on social interaction. It features categories or “channels” for like-minded users (such as Dating Fun, Pets, Sports & Fitness, and College Fun). Pre-alpha users leveraged the streaming platform for a variety of content including live music, dating, and comedy shows.

The service can also be used for conferences and other live events such as weddings, birthdays, and parties. GabCast reports that a live classroom feature and mobile apps are in development. According to the press release, “GabCast.TV promises to hit the sweet spot of engagement by marrying social interaction with unique live content and creating the next generation of reality stars.”

Related GabCast.TV press release (including video): “Hollywood Heavyweights Go Social With GabCast.TV” (5/9/11)