Despite a spate of new online initiatives--including online video deals with AOL and Apple's iTunes--NBC Universal plans to center its online activities around iVillage, the women's portal the
GE-controlled group bought for $600 million in March. This comes straight from Bob Wright, NBC Universal's chief executive. Wright's assertion comes in anticipation of the relaunch of iVillage's Web
site, which attracts about 15 million users a month, mostly women between the ages of 30 and 50. Wright says the redesigned site will feature video and community tools, highlighting the opportunity
for cross-branding with NBC programs, like the "Today" show. "You're going to see a lot more editorial combinations. It may be as common to see iVillage bringing material to the "Today" show as the
"Today" show bringing material to iVillage," he says. The new iVillage will also feature original programming, like iVillage Live, a television show that will be available both on the site and on the
NBC TV network. Separately, NBC is testing a new Web site for its financial news station CNBC. The site will charge subscriptions for access to all interviews and features that run on the cable
channel--bad idea, because with a Sling Box, you could follow CNBC and other news channels remotely on your laptop, for free.
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