Tom Group launches Joost for China

Hong Kong - Listed media conglomerate Tom Group has partnered with online TV service Joost to launch a Chinese version of its internet TV platform.

The Tom Group, which owns outdoor, publishing and broadcast media properties, will launch the online TV service under its Tom Online division.

The website, joost.tom.com, which starts broadcasting from today (23 July), will go head to head for both advertising dollars and eyeballs with sites like YouTube.

Joost and Tom will source programming from within China and has sourced about 16,000 hours of Chinese programming and secured deals with several established content providers including CCTV, China Record Corporation, BTV Media, Huayi Brothers Media Group and Warner Home Entertainment.

Tom will be responsible for securing advertising for the localised version of Joost, with Joost to provide the underlying technology.

Ken Young (pictured), CEO and executive director of Tom Group, said the alliance with Joost will enhance and increase the company's range of internet services.

"We are set to bring in a whole new high-quality video viewing experience with interactivity to our huge base of local internet users and at the same time, provide targeted and innovative advertising solutions that add value to our clients," Young said.

Tom Group was founded in October 1999 as a joint venture between Hutchison Whampoa, Cheung Kong Holdings and other investors.