Tribune Media Hires Startup Video Provider

Tribune Media has agreed to use VMIX Media, an upstart content distribution provider, to help it manage user-generated videos, photos and audio on the Tribune's network of Web sites.

Under the agreement, VMIX's technology platform will support the Tribune Interactive network of more than 50 Web sites, including those run by the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Newsday. Financial terms of the deal announced on Monday were not disclosed.

The partnership is an example of a traditional media company incorporating Web 2.0 features that has driven the success of sites like YouTube.com and MySpace.com.

Created by executives from Universal Music Group, Fox Studios, Apple and MP3.com, VMIX technology is used for hosting, queuing, distribution, and management of uploaded user-generated content, which could also include blogs, ratings and other community-driven content. The technology would also provide links to tens of thousands of approved media assets from VMIX cable and broadcast partners, such as Fox, Bravo and Warner Bros.

"VMIX technology will help us empower consumers to contribute to and participate in the content that affects them," Tim Landon, president of Tribune Interactive, said in a statement. Other properties within the Tribune network include the SunSentinel.com, OrlandoSentinel.com, BaltimoreSun.com, Courant.com, Mcall.com, DailyPress.com, GreenwichTime.com, StamfordAdvocate.com, and the Metromix.com.

Earlier this month, VMIX Media received investment funding from Southern California VC firms Mission Ventures and Enterprise Partners Venture Capital.