CBS Plans To Create CSI Spin-Off For Cell Phones

According to Larry Kramer, president of CBS Digital Media, the Eye network is planning to create a new CSI spin-off.

But unlike the three CSI shows currently on the air, this brand new hybrid would only air on the web and through cell phones. It's the latest trend in video programming: shows developed solely for broadcast over the internet and mobile devices. "We're creating a short-form program for the Web and wireless of C.S.I. and offering online multiple endings to shows," Kramer announced.

Other networks have already gotten on the cell phone video programming bandwagon. Fox, for example, has developed several multiple one-minute versions of its hit show 24. The creation of these mini-shows comes with the hope that as many people as possible will tune in to their original versions, Kramer said. "You'll see more and more becoming available on the Web, mostly in cases where networks are convinced it supports and helps the show."

To test the possible demand for these programs, Nokia and the British broadcasters O2 and Arqiva have teamed up to offer 400 British clients a 6-month trial of mobile programming. Episodes of some television shows, such as EastEnders, Coronation Street, CSI and Lost will be available for these clients through their cell phones. Customers will also be able to select programmers from an on-screen service guide, search for specific items, and even set their handset to alert them when a show starts.

So far, the mini-version of CSI has only been discussed by the network, meaning no launch date has been set. CBS, however, hopes to have a great variety of cell phone programs available to the public soon. "We'll have talk shows and blogs with CBS stars. We'll be giving information similar to what you'd get on a DVD," Kramer said.

Visit Market Watch.com to read the original article and learn more about mobile video programming.

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