Google is experimenting with a new method of distributing original material on the Web.  The carefully guarded Family Guy project, titled Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy, will appear exclusively on the Internet. 

The innovative aspect is the distribution plan.  They will will syndicate the program using AdSense advertising systems to thousands of Web sites that are defined to be high traffic destinations for the Family Guy audience -typically blokes.  Instead of placing static ads on the page, Google will place a Cavalcade video clip.  Pre-rolls, supporting banner ads or simple ‘brought to you by’ endorsements will accompany the clips.

Even more interesting in respect of the Advertising/Content relationship is the animated commercials within the clips.  According to the New York Times:

For a more substantial fee, Mr. MacFarlane has been working with advertisers to animate original commercials that will run with “Cavalcade.” Google and Mr. MacFarlane would not reveal any of the advertisers, but the two said that several deals are among the largest ever landed by AdSense, which went into business in 2003.

Google calls the distribution service the Google Content Network.  This collaboration sees Google pushing ahead with their plans for original content distribution.  They’re more machine now than man.

The Guardian have always embraced the Internet’s potential well ahead of other news papers and publishers.  They recently held a two-week conference -The Future of Journalism- and true to the spirit of knowledge sharing and open discussion have posted video clips of Jeff Jarvis‘ presentation (associate professor and director of the interactive journalism program at the City University of New York’s new Graduate School of Journalism).  Watch part 1 & 2 here.