Skype, CNN join forces to lure business market

Skype and CNN International, giants in their own fields of media and communication, have struck a deal to work together and lure the international business market and fight the recession.

Internet telecom leader Skype intends to use its ?multimedia campaign to reach out to the global business audience of CNN International in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.

Sceptics are doubtful about the fruition of Skype's objectives, as most Gulf countries have banned the use of Skype. However, it is still used widely by corporates and individuals.

"The Skype website is blocked in the region, but if you download the software when you are abroad, it can be used without any hindrance and the payment procedure is also very easy and accessible with your phones and credit card," said one regular user of Skype at home and at work, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"In fact, we have downloaded the software for all our senior and mid-level executives who communicate regularly with clients and contacts abroad," he added.

Skype intends to base its marketing push on the sponsorship of the CNN show Connect the World. Within the nightly show, Skype will sponsor the 'Connector of the Day' feature.

Connect the World, which features a well-known personality, is an interactive session with questions taken from viewers. It also includes messages and comments from viewers on the daily news and is presented by Becky Anderson. As part of the tie-up with Skype, the debates and discussions on this television programme will continue via Skype Chat and on CNN.com.

In addition, Skype will also run an exclusive advertising campaign on CNN International that will highlight features of the online phone service, including free video calls, its mobile offering and international call rates.

In an official communiqué to the media, Neil Stevens, General Manager, consumer business at Skype, said: "This is an exciting opportunity that allows us to reach a highly relevant audience and increase awareness of the benefits of Skype."

eBay, Skype's parent company, announced last week that it was selling a 65 per cent stake in the company to a consortium of investors in a $2.75 billion (Dh10.10b) deal. Online reports said that eBay had been looking to sell Skype after acquiring it in 2005 once it realised that the proposed synergies were not quite working out. 

 

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