Userplane Partners With Network and Cable TV Media Companies

Userplane, a provider of online communication software, is announcing a new partnership with several broadcast and cable stations today. The deal will bring Userplane's Webchat, Minichat, and Webmessenger applications to their online communities.

The networks involved in the partnership include: Channel 4 in the U.K and The CW, FUEL TV, and the Independent Film Channel in the U.S.

“The integration of real time messaging applications allows media companies to create virtual water coolers where viewers can engage other fans of their favorite shows in real time,” said Michael Jones, CEO of Userplane and vice president of AOL.

It reads almost as if they have added a mini-social network with communication. What about adding a robust social network on top as well like those from KickApps, Ning or Magnify.net?

The piece of info left out from the release is whether the online communities will be able to "talk" between the communities. This is where I'd love to see some further movement. Get Channel 4 Big Brother viewers in the U.K. speaking with CBS (not part of this deal) viewers in the U.S., etc. We've got to further break down the walls between the media properties. Don't be scared, media networks!