The Times to develop online service Times TV

LONDON - The Times is planning to launch an internet television service called Times TV, which could feature clips from the likes of Sky News and entertainment such as '24'.

Les Hinton, News International chairman, said the service would initially consist of third-party news clips and aggregated content provided by partners. Times TV would also host user-generated content, providing it was deemed newsworthy.

The identity of the third-party content providers is not yet known, but Reuters and BSkyB, which is 38% owned by The Times' parent company News Corporation, are being touted as possible partners.

News Corp could provide a wealth of content via its Fox entertainment channel and film business 20th Century Fox. Fox is responsible for 'American Idol' and '24'.

The exact date for the Times TV trial launch is not yet known, but it is understood that News International has been producing sufficient revenue through its online content to afford such a venture.

Internet giant Cisco Systems is also reported to be involved in the project.

According to News International, which also owns The Sun, The Times' online revenue has risen 45% year on year. Much of this is attributable to its mobile phone quizzes, puzzles and crosswords service.

Last month, The Times Online generated 59.9m page impressions, a figure that it intends to triple over the next few years.

Hinton said The Sun's homepage generated 6.8m users and 136m page impressions in March. Entries to its fantasy football competition, which attracts half a million subscribers, are also up 14%.

News International has been eager to "protect and extend" its print editions by creating stronger branding through the internet. Part of that has included a World Cup podcast service from comedians Baddiel and Skinner.

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