Hold the Presses: The Subscription Model Works for Online Video (Major League Baseball, at least)

Paid subscriptions to online video is not a business model for most publishers, save the porno biz, but it is working out well for Major League Baseball, Brad Stone of The New York Times reports today. Brad has the scoop on the new video player and subscription service unveiled by Major League Baseball.

We think that the subscription model of certain live, on-demand programming on the web will grow this year. Exclusive entertainment, other sports and educational webcasts will be charging.

Powering the MLB.TV is Swarmcast, a CDN company based in Minneapolis. Last May in Los Angeles, I interviewed CEO Justin Chapweske about his company and services they provide to Major League Baseball.

Update: Dan Frommer got a demo too and has an extensive report up on Silicon Alley Insider.

— Andy Plesser, Exective Producer

By Andy Plesser on February 9, 2009 @beet_tv

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