Jan 28, 2013

Business Considering how large a role comedy has played at My Damn Channel (MDC) and the career of its co-founder and CEO Rob Barnett, it shouldn’t be surprising that the YouTube power will launch today the My Damn Channel Comedy Network. The initiative will provide “hundreds of new comedy series premiering in 2013 on MyDamnChannel.com and on the company’s network of channels on YouTube,” it says. Eric Mortensen, who was senior director of content and network programming at Blip.tv, will be director of programming and acquisitions. MDC says that it will partner with content creators: They’ll be asked to sign a non-exclusive, one-year licensing and distribution agreement enabling MDC to showcase their work. They’ll share share revenues while MDC provides distribution, promotion, marketing and social media support. “We’re investing in the team and the infrastructure to make the My Damn Channel Comedy Network the first choice for fans and the right choice for talent.” says Barnett, a former TV producer and programming exec who helped to turn around VH1 by introducing hit shows including Behind The Music. MDC says that last year its revenues increased 300% as its YouTube views grew 550% and total views from all its sites was up 91%. In addition to Barnett and Mortensen, the new comedy initiative will be overseen by MDC Co-Founder and COO Warren Chao; Editor-In-Chief Maria Diokno; Director of Talent & Audience Development Molly Templeton; Director of ProductionMelissa Schneider; and Director of Sales David Kaplan. MDC’s comedy productions include Wainy Days and You Suck At Photoshop.