SideReel is a television show tracking website.[2] The site, while not a production or publishing entity, gives users access to various discussions, reviews, and news articles related to shows; it acts as a medium for users to access content centered around shows of their liking.

SideReel
Type of businessOnline media
Type of site
Video Portal / Entertainment Fansite
Headquarters,
United States
ParentRhythmOne[1]
URLwww.sidereel.com
RegistrationOptional
LaunchedFebruary 24, 2007; 17 years ago (2007-02-24)

History

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SideReel launched in April 2007 and was featured in CNET's Webware "beta watch" that same month.[3]

In 2011, SideReel was acquired by Rovi Corporation,[4] and the Allrovi.com site was launched.[2] The company also announced it had surpassed 1 million unique visitors in one day.[2]

In July 2013, Rovi spun off SideReel, along with AllGame, AllMovie, AllMusic, and Celebified, as All Media Network; the company's owners includes the original founders of SideReel and Ackrell Capital investor Mike Ackrell.[5][6][citation needed]

In 2014, a free SideReel app was launched, allowing fans to find, track and watch their favorite TV series on iOS devices.[7] The site's Android and iOS apps were later withdrawn as they were too unprofitable.[8]

In 2020, the site was purchased by Netaktion LLC.[9]

Business model

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SideReel compiles a comprehensive list of television shows and aggregates content for them. The site provides links to view full episodes online, as well as a forum to discuss and review TV shows.[10]

This site allows users to actively collaborate on updating site content, and uses Facebook Connect to foster user participation and a sense of community. Users of Connect can see what shows friends like, and share their favorites.[citation needed]

Criticism

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In 2010, an LA Times article was published using interviews with unnamed anti-piracy experts who accused SideReel of being a way for viewers to watch shows that are not available online by linking to pirated streaming sites. The company denied the charges, stating that it was merely a specialized search engine that points to legitimate sites and removes infringing links when notified of them.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Thank you for visiting the RhythmOne website for investors". investor.rhythmone.com.
  2. ^ a b c "Rovi acquires SideReel, launches AllRovi.com". vator.tv. 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  3. ^ Needleman, Rafe (April 27, 2007). "Beta watch: SideReel opens new video wiki". CNET.
  4. ^ "Rovi Buys Sidereel, Expands to the Web". Gigaom.com. March 1, 2011.
  5. ^ "Rovi Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Performance Announces Agreements to Sell Rovi Entertainment Store and Consumer Website Businesses". globalnewswire.com. 2013-07-31. Archived from the original on 2017-08-08. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  6. ^ "Digital Entertainment Veterans Launch 'All Media Network' to Perfect Digital Media Discovery". BusinessWire. December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  7. ^ "SideReel app lets fans watch and track their favorite shows on iOS devices". adweek.com. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  8. ^ "An Important Update About the SideReel iOS and Android Apps". SideReel.com. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  9. ^ "About | SideReel".
  10. ^ a b Chmielewski, Dawn C. (September 21, 2010). "Hollywood sounds alarm as streaming video websites enable a new wave of piracy". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 25, 2010. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
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