MediaPost: AOL Boosts Broadband With TV Reviews

One buddy option

AOL announced today it will allow advertisers to participate in its instant messaging bot program without having to also purchase other (rather expensive) online advertising. The program allows advertisers to create automated personalities that people can choose to have on their IM "buddy lists." Current bot users include Keebler, Nike, Nintendo and the Wall Street Journal. That last one will raise eyebrows among those wondering whether the bot personality is channeling the leftish news wing of the paper or the rightist editorial page, as well as who in the world would want to talk to it.

In other AOL news, the company continues to use its online service as a promotions tool for television content. It will start an Entertainment Weekly spin-off, airing video of two of that magazine's writers reviewing TV programs. The four-minute show will be geared to youngish women and include 15-20 second video commercials.