Failed mobile-first streaming service Qibi is in advanced discussion to sell its content library rights to Roku, The Wall Street Journal. The report does not indicate a potential cost for the acquisition, noting that neither party will be able to reach a deal.
If that were to happen, the deal could give the Roku Channel exclusive access to Qibi’s programming slate. None of the Quebec shows really took off, but Roku feels that the U.S. Content will get a better chance when it becomes available on the best-selling streaming device in.
Quibi announced that it would close in October, six months after its much-talked-about launch. The service was led by former HP CEO Meg Whitman and former Disney chairman and movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, who managed to raise about 2 2 billion before the app was released.
Ketzenberg had already tried to get companies, including Facebook and NBC Universal, to choose Qibi programming before his death, Information.
Disclosure: Comcast, owned by NBC Universal, is an investor in Vox Media, EdgeOf parent company. Vox Media has also struck a deal with Qibi to make a show, and there were initial talks about that. Edge Show as well.
