This past February, HBO and AOL collaborated to launch comedy website ThisJustIn.com. Rumor has it that the site will be shutting down by the end of August.
The site is a video blog that features daily topical comedy videos, ranging from short sketches to funny commentary. When launched, the site replaced AOL’s existing comedy property. The terms of the co-venture dictated AOL would sell advertising on the site, while HBO could cross promote content on its TV and mobile network.
The Hollywood Reporter notes the rumored shutdown follows the departure of a number of top executives tied to the site; Steve Stanford, who ran the site, was allegedly laid off from AOL a month ago. HBO also let go of some key execs who had oversight of the site, including Jim Moloshok, Carmi Zlotnik and John Penney.
“This Just In” operates in a particularly competitive vertical market, competing against the likes of CollegeHumor, the Onion, and Will Ferrel’s new project FunnyOrDie, amongst others.
We have asked ThisJustIn to comment and will update should we receive a response.
Update: Variety is confirming the site will shutdown in August.