CBS hopes to claim the multiplatform spotlight early this year by debuting - as soon as today - its anticipated broadband video player on an ad-supported free broadband channel before the upfronts begin in two weeks, according to sources close to the matter, writes Broadcasting & Cable (via MediaBuyerPlanner).

The channel - which would follow second only to the broadband streaming channel that ABC launched four weeks ago - will run full-length episodes of mostly original material as well as some content connected to current CBS programming. The network is testing various pricing strategies.

CBS executives have mentioned the broadband channel but all said it would most likely launch during or after the upfront presentations.