'South Park' Creators Win Ad Sharing in Deal - New York Times

Because of the slow entry into the digital realm of Viacom, Comedy Central's parent, and an almost crippling deal point in Mr. Stone's and Mr. Parker's contract, the lewd, rude, crudely animated and mordantly funny series — one that began with a viral video before the term even existed — has barely had a presence as an avalanche of user-generated entertainment hit the Web. Meanwhile, sites like YouTube met the demand for free "South Park" clips without paying for the privilege.

Now, however, Mr. Stone and Mr. Parker and their bosses at Comedy Central, a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks, are attempting to leapfrog to the vanguard of Hollywood's transition into Web. In a joint venture that involves millions in up-front cash and a 50-50 split of ad revenues, the network and the two creative partners have agreed to create a hub to spread "South Park"-related material across the Net, mobile platforms, and video games.