HBO to shutter comedy Web site, mulls new business

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pay cable television network HBO plans to shut its free comedy Web site "This Just In" following a management shake-up and is considering launching another site tied more closely to the HBO brand, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

"This Just In" was designed as a venue to develop new talent, but HBO decided to scrap the project after the ouster of Chief Executive Chris Albrecht and the departure of executives Jim Moloshok, Carmi Zlotnik and John Penney from its digital business, the source said.

HBO, a division of Time Warner Inc., plans to launch another free, advertising-supported online business in the coming weeks tied more closely to the HBO brand, the source said.

Separately, the company has worked closely with U.S. cable operators to deliver HBO programs over a high-speed Internet connection in a project that is expected to debut in the fourth quarter, the source said.

HBO declined to comment.

News of the end of "This Just In" was first reported by Hollywood Reporter.