Old 1995 Motro Article... New Insights...
So, back when Motro was with CNN Interactive he
did a deal a multi-year deal with AT&T. This article
makes for interesting reading in the light of recent
events. (For example, think about SEEK's push business
intelligence spin-off NewsReal--now doing business with
CNNfn.) Although I've gotta run, it might be interesting
to line up the three SE AT&T announcements and look for
key differences IF ANY. Those could provide clues to
who negotiated better than whom. Anway, ain't web
research fun and easy?
Here's the article... Best Regards, c m
FOR RELEASE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1995
AT&T and CNN Interactive offer online multimedia
services
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- AT&T and CNN Interactive today announced a strategic multi-year
relationship to develop and offer a range of online and multimedia information services. The alliance
includes broad plans for exclusive business content creation, mutual promotional activities, and the
development of new online programming and concepts.
The results of the working relationship will be visible in weeks, as CNN Interactive and AT&T New
Media Services provide branded business content on the recently announced AT&T Business
Network, an online information resource for professionals. That content will consist of a variety of
in-depth business news and information, and online discussions hosted by business and topical
experts.
In addition to hosting CNN Interactive content, AT&T Business Network will provide integrated
links to CNN Interactive's World Wide Web site, which offers up-to-the-minute news, sound clips
and photographs. CNN Interactive will also advise its television viewers that they may access AT&T
Business Network for additional CNN Interactive content on business-related topics. The
relationship will also involve additional AT&T services as they become available, including AT&T
WorldNet Services, an Internet access service.
"Our activity on AT&T Business Network is the first step in what we expect will be a long-term
strategic relationship with AT&T," said Harry Motro, vice president of interactive and new business
development for CNN Interactive. "CNN Interactive and AT&T are committed to serving the
unique information needs of business professionals. CNN Interactive's activities on AT&T Business
Network, as well as the imminent launch of CNN Financial Network on television in late December,
are compelling offerings for this audience."
"This alliance will bring together the powerful, worldwide leadership of both AT&T and CNN
Interactive to create a whole new class of multimedia information services," said Michael Kolowich,
president of AT&T New Media Services. "CNN Interactive's business content will significantly
enrich the news value and timeliness of the information offered on AT&T Business Network. In
addition, we'll work with CNN Interactive to explore additional programming options for a variety of
media platforms."
The information provided by CNN Interactive on AT&T Business Network will be offered as part
of the core AT&T Business Network subscription package, and will debut in mid-November.
Currently in beta testing and due to be commercially available in early November, AT&T Business
Network is a new online resource that gives business owners, managers and professionals easy
access to business news and information. It will offer practical, hands-on information and services
that business people need to stay current on critical industry and business news, access extensive
reference information, connect with an active community of peers, and take advantage of the full
range of Internet-based business resources.
AT&T Business Network is hosted on AT&T Interchange Online Network(sm), a next-generation
publishing platform, built on Internet communications protocols, which combines a powerful online
publishing system with the broad resources of the Internet.
Those interested in signing up for or receiving more information about AT&T Business Network may
call 800-660-2299 or visit the AT&T Interchange Web site at ichange.com. Information
providers interested in publishing opportunities on AT&T Business Network may contact Bonnie
Silveria at 617-252-5202 or Wendy Beecham at 617-252-5124.
AT&T Business Network is a product of AT&T New Media Services, a new AT&T unit that is part
of the company's initiative to develop a series of AT&T-branded online information services,
targeted at business and professional markets. AT&T New Media Services is based in Cambridge,
Mass.
AT&T, a global communications and computer company, operates the world's largest and most
advanced long-distance network and provides communications services and products, as well as
network equipment and computer systems, to businesses, consumers, telecommunications services
providers and government agencies.
CNN Interactive is the division within CNN responsible for multimedia production and online
computerized news distribution. The unit is currently divided into several areas: CNN Online,
responsible for distributing news through online services and the Internet; CNN Electronic Publishing,
involved in the production of multimedia CD-ROMS; and CNN at Work, a service delivering
real-time news video and text to networked desktop computers in the workplace. The unit is also
exploring interactive television opportunities. |
