AOL Begins Live Channel Webcasting With QVC Programs

AOL (TWX) said it began webcasting its first live channel, a simulcast of QVC's cable shopping show. The programming will be an unending stream of items for sale including flameless candles, 14 karat gold jewelry, and skirts. If a viewer wants to buy an item, clicking a "Buy the On-Air Item" link takes them to the QVC Web site and an order form. Next week, AOL Video will stream a second QVC channel. It will offer viewers more than 400 clips of video content on demand and be updated daily.

A spokeswoman for AOL said there are negotiations with other video producers, but she declined to say when additional streaming video channels would be offered. QVC is a subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Media (LINTA), which has interests in dozens of cable channels including Discovery, Court TV, Animal Planet, and E!.

AOL declined to give specifics of its business arrangement, but did say it will not receive commissions on QVC sales.

Disclosure: Author owns shares of Time Warner.