QYou promises web channel first

MIPCOM: The world’s first international pay TV channel for shortform web video content is making its play for the world stage today.

The QYou (or The Q), which premiered on Beijing-based pay TV operator Star Times on October 1, provides a curated line-up of made-for-web video from around the world.

The 24/7 channel is available to pay TV operators globally as part of their linear, video-on-demand and/or TV Everywhere offerings.

Hosted by internet stars, dubbed Q-rators, the channel’s content can be localised to ensure the right mix of authenticity and sensibility to local audiences.

“Online creators are establishing a new art form in much the same way music videos fueled the popularity and growth of MTV,” said The QYou’s CEO Scott Ehrlich.

“The QYou is committed to doing the same for this engaging and entertaining cultural phenomenon, while also generating meaningful royalties for an entirely new generation of web creative icons, filmmakers and talent.”

The QYou is the brainchild of industry veterans Ehrlich (Fox News, NBC Cable, Real, Divx) along with Curt Marvis (MTV, CinemaNow, Lionsgate), Les Garland (MTV, VH-1, The Box) and G Scott Patterson (Lionsgate Entertainment, NeuLion, Engagement Labs).