Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1998/11/30/pointcast_launches_uk_german_editions/

PointCast launches UK, German editions

British Telecom backs troubled push provider in Britain

By Tony Smith

Posted in On-Prem, 30th November 1998 16:13 GMT

Troubled push provider PointCast has launched a UK versions of its Internet broadcasting system with the backing of British Telecom. It has also announced a German version of the service. BT will sponsor the service and act as the local broadcaster. It will also nab all the highest-profile advertising slots, including multimedia commercials and high-profile branding of many of the UK editions information channels, such as news, companies, sports, lifestyle and weather. The service will feature content from The Economist, the Press Association, Reuters and ITN Online, derived from each providers' own Web sites. The deal gives BT a business-oriented information site that complements its primarily consumer-oriented services, such as Click and its recent deal with Excite. News of the launch follows confirmation from PointCast that it had found a backer (see PointCast finds strategic investor -- at last). The company has been in need of funding for some time, even more so following the collapse of takeover talks with major media players, including a potential $400 million buyout by News Corp. last year, and this year's IPO, which was cancelled at the last minute. ®