Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) And Its Efforts With Original Programming

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Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and AOL are the new entrants in the TV-like shows segment with Microsoft coming up with a soccer reality show called Every Street United. Tech giants are busy flexing their efforts for TV network-style shows before advertisers at an annual digital content showcase in New York next week. It seems like tech giants are aware of the massive opportunities that the segment offers at present.

Internet giants gearing up for TV like shows

The current trend is a big change from the earlier short Web episodes that many tech firms have been showcasing at the week-long “NewFronts” event.  Sony Corp digital network will come up with Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and AOL will launch Connected, a drama series about five New Yorkers.

Yahoo is not far behind, and is making efforts to launch its own original programming, says a report from MoneyControl citing sources familiar with the developments. Last week, during the earnings call, Marissa Mayer said it loud and clear that the company would make precise investments in original content.

Kris Magel, chief investment officer at Initiative, believe “We are going to see more original content overall and no doubt everyone is working to package their offerings like TV because they have their eyes on TV dollars.”

Many shows expected from Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is expected to launch shows by June for its Xbox entertainment platform. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the shows expected in June include a comedy program featuring Sarah Silverman and also a stop-motion show from Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, maker of Robot Chicken.

Previously, the company announced shows such as “Halo, the Television Series,” produced by Steven Spielberg, then a multi-film documentary series with producer Simon Chinn and Emmy winning producer Jonathan Chinn (FX’s “30 Days.”). The company also mentioned that it is entering into a partnership with UK broadcaster Channel 4 to produce a show called Humans in 2015.

NewsFronts will kick off on April 28, where Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will showcase original content shows produced by the company’s Xbox Entertainment Studios showing the strength of internet. Hulu.com, the website owned by Walt Disney Co, Comcast Corp and 21st Century Fox will also show the contents to advertisers next week.

In the pre-market trade Thursday, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were up 0.86% at $39.69.

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