Gubba's Web Is Growing

Two new web TV channels - launched at MIPTV by media entrepreneur John Gubba - have both attracted interest from a host of carriers that will deliver the channels' content across a range of networks including cable and satellite.
Visionsport.TV and WildThingTV have initially been launched on the web-based platform operated by video search aggregator Blinkx. But content from both channels will soon be made available on a variety of other networks including access to cable and satellite homes via a variety of set-top boxes.
John Gubba, Producer-Director and MD of Buckinghamshire-based VSI TV. Twelve years after launching Boro TV - Britain's first dedicated Football Club TV Channel - Gubba believes content owners must take the long term approach to maximising revenue streams.
He said: "Visionsport is a brand I started in 1990 when we began publishing and distributing programmes for the Home Video Market. Since then I have produced, directed and published over 300 sports videos and DVDs promoting the Visionsport brand as both a label and website destination.
"Wild Thing is a brand I launched with the TV series that we premiered on Discovery Channel's Animal Planet in 1999."
The series has since been broadcast in over 60 countries and a second season is now in production.
Gubba, who turned independent after working in London as a TV sports reporter for ITV in the '80s and '90s, said: "In Cannes we were approached by several new media platforms wanting to broadcast both Visionsport.TV and WildThingTV content.
"The advances in technology mean that the options include rolling out our content via set-top boxes to cable and satellite homes. In each case, the financial model is based on taking a share of advertising revenues."
WildThingTV is showcasing highlights from the television series of the same name, which has been screened on satellite, cable and terrestrial Channels in over 60 countries.
Previously unseen footage from the VSI TV archives is also being premiered on both channels, along with new content generated specifically for WebTV.
To preview both channels, visit:
www.blinkx.com/channel/WildThingTV and www.blinkx.com/channel/VisionSportTV.
(KMcA/BMcc)