the "cloker" has some viacom thoughts ...

But the "Clocker" (at SS) has some views on the Viacom "deal" here ..... he says ...

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LC and Leppard

We appear to be the only people who visit this site, which may have its advantages as the question of whether LOK is a target for News Corp develops.

Maybe I read too much into things, but reading through the text of the Q2 2005 LookSmart Ltd. Earnings Conference Call in July 2005, there were some interesting comments made by the CEO, David Hills.

In response to a question about whether Viacom was a Looksmart customer, he said;

Quote

"As for Viacom and seeing LookSmart on their sites, they are a customer. I can't comment any further than that. We are certainly thrilled to be doing business with them. When they and us are ready to say more about what that relationship is, I will be more than happy to do that."

(One of the largest global media empires, Viacom has a financial interest in broadcast and cable television, radio, Internet, book publishing, and film production and distribution. Some of this vertically integrated conglomerate's highly recognizable properties include the CBS network, MTV, Infinity broadcasting, Simon & Schuster, Blockbuster and Paramount Pictures. With such a diverse portfolio of properties, Viacom is one of the most profitable media giants as CBS is a top draw for older viewers while MTV remains the most popular teen orientated media outlet.) See any similarities with News Corp??

Later in the Conference Call Hills was asked, by a broker with substantial interests in Looksmart, about the financial outlook, given that there was going to be a continuing high cash burn despite Looksmart facing delisting from the NASDAQ in September.

Quote

"MIKE LEAHY: As a broker, my clients and I own a substantial amount of LookSmart stock. And unfortunately, while you were raising guidance last year, that's when I was purchasing. And I wound up buying a nice chunk of it right before your earnings announcement in January. And it's to the point now where I just see the revenues shrinking and shrinking, and I'm starting to get worried. You are facing delisting and stuff like, and frankly, I have several people I need to answer to.

MIKE LEAHY: .............. Every single day, I have to fend off dozens of phone calls and assure clients that this was the right investment, and it's frustrating.

DAVID HILLS: Yes, I know it is. I'm going to suggest that perhaps what happens is that my office will contact you and let's you and I get some time on the phone one-on-one."

Coupled with the foregoing, we have Directors of the company outlaying large sums of money to take up stock options, including some 500k by David Hills.

Maybe Hills pulled a Jodie Rich play on Leahy, but I doubt it. There are just too many indications that Looksmart are going to pull something out of the hat shortly.

Happy Punting

The Clocker
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... Plenty of 'synergies' for NEWS (& Fox) with everchanging developments including 'shared' content, for site presentations.

Makes sense.


:)
LC