Joost taps meebo for instant messaging

Joost, the global TV distribution network backed by Skype cofounder Niklas Zennström, has signed up instant messaging web site meebo to provide IM functionality for Joost users.

Joost connects content owners with a global audience and claims to offer more than 15,000 shows across 250 channels. “Participation in community activities has emerged as one of the most significant trends in consumer behaviour,” said Mike Volpi, CEO of Joost. “By offering our viewers a robust channel chat option, they can chat with people interested in the same shows and subjects – and ultimately customise and enrich their entertainment experiences.”

Meebo claims that at internal survey of its users showed 25 percent of them using IM while watching TV. Seth Sternberg, CEO and co-founder of meebo, said: "there’s a lot more we can be doing to connect people who share a common passion around a specific show or genre.”

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