• by P.J. Bednarski , Staff Writer @pjbtweet, April 17, 2013

 Alloy Digital LLC, the company behind popular YouTube channels and content brands Smosh, ClevverTV and The Escapist among others is buying Digital Broadcasting Group (DBG), a distributor and creator of premium content and advertising including the recent launch of  SpaceTv, a YouTube channel that covers HGTV turf  but with a different sensibility.

 No price was disclosed.

 The transaction connects DBG’s video syndication network with Alloy Digital’s digital distribution network. DBG claims 2,600 in-stream video partners. Its CLiP syndicated video player and a collection of pre-roll units.  By joining forces, Alloy and DBG can reach 80 million unique viewers monthly and deliver 1.5 billion monthly streams, the companies claim.

  "This acquisition instantly creates a powerhouse modern media company, building on a platform agnostic content and distribution model that reflects the rapid pace of change in consumer media consumption," Matt Diamond, CEO of Alloy Digital said in a press release this morning.

DBG CEO and co-founder, Chris Young, along with co-founders Rick Kleczkowski and Joseph Gomes, will join the Alloy Digital. Young will become Chief Marketing Officer.

ABS Capital Partners'  recently invested  $30 million in Alloy Digital,  joining existing investor ZelnickMedia/ZM Capital.  Alloy’s  Smosh, acquired in 2011, aimed mainly at young men, is the most subscribed YouTube channel in the world. Alloy also operates a talent management company, Generate and other video, online and production assets that provide women’s lifestyle, entertainment news and video game platforms.   

DBG is a stand-out creator, producer, and distributor of premium video content across digital media, and has created original programming for blue-chip brands including Infiniti, Unilvever, Coca-Cola, Ford, Sprint, Mars and Kimberly Clark. It has produced programs and branded content including the Webby Award-winning series, “The Confession” starring Kiefer Sutherland, and other contents including “Control TV” and “Fast and Fit.” Its live performance content is displayed on Time Square’s Reuters and NASDAQ digital display boards.

pj@mediapost.com