Microsoft Delivers News Network

Microsoft has delivered, on schedule no less, a new national [online network] for local news organizations to share and monetize locally-produced video. This is important. Local news organizations — real ones, not just the permed and puckered hacks in local “Eyewitness” TV package shows — now get to deliver quality video content directly to users and licensees on a global scale. A boost for local news, a black eye for Google’s video efforts and the timing may explain why Microsoft is suddenly aiming the [copyright gun] at the folks in Mountain View. The deal, which leverages MS back end tech and their MSN advertising platform, is a good example of how you partner with copyright owners to build a content network.