Sony Backs Ad-Supported Streaming With Exclusive Content for Crackle

Crackle, the free streaming video platform backed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has signed a deal with NBCUniversal for the exclusive rights to more than 140 movies over the next three years.

The agreement will mean that a variety of movies such as Ray, Jarhead and the remake of King Kong will not appear on other ad-supported distributors including television channels

Sony's investment in Crackle and its willingness to spend the money to acquire exclusive rights to content indicate a willingness to go against the grain of other streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu, which work primarily on subscription models. Read more...