In its ongoing effort to strike entertainment and media partnerships, Microsoft"s MSN portal will power the Web sites for two popular TV shows produced by NBC, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The deal, expected to be announced Monday, will allow MSN produce and promote Web sites for the popular "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," and the flashy entertainment news show "Access Hollywood." The Access Hollywood site, which has already launched, will feature music videos, movie trailers and entertainment news headlines. The Tonight Show"s site will not launch until the spring, the sources said.
Deals such as these are significant for Microsoft. In its ongoing, often quixotic, campaign for Internet dominance, the software giant has set its sights on striking partnerships with content providers, such as movie studios, television networks, and publications. The partnerships offer content to draw more people to MSN, and offer an outlet to distribute its Web software, such as its Passport online sign-in and payment service.