AOL to Acquire Social Media Network Bebo

AOL has entered into an agreement to acquire Bebo, a leading global social media network. Founded in 2005, Bebo now has 40 million members worldwide. Together with AIM and ICQ, AOL will have a social network of approximately 80 million unique users worldwide, putting it in a leading position in the fast-growing social media market.  AOL CEO Randy Falco said it is  "the perfect complement to AOL’s personal communications network and puts us in a leading position in social media."

Below is a video featuring Joanna Shields, who describes what's unique about Bebo. For more videos relating to Bebo, as well as stills and logos, visit the media gallery.

Bebo facts:

Founded in 2005.

Headquartered in London

Bebo President Joanna Shields is responsible for developing the Bebo experience and providing the community with engaging content across all platforms. (See photo nearby.)

Bebo is one of the leading social networks in the UK, and is ranked number one in Ireland and New Zealand, and number three in the U.S. in terms of engagement.

Bebo pioneered the blending of original content in the social networking environment, co-producing "Kate Modern", the most successful TV show on the Web, now in its second season, followed by the recently premiered "Sophia's Diary", and the upcoming "Gap Year."

Open Media: Open Media gives media companies free and open access to Bebo's users worldwide and the Bebo community free and open access to thousands of hours of premium entertainment content from some of the world's best known media brands.

Open Social: In November 2007, Bebo announced that it is joining OpenSocial, a set of common APIs for building social applications across the web. In addition to this Bebo announced plans for a Developers Platform.

How does Bebo compare to other social networking sites today?

Bebo is unique. It is the world's only global Social Media Network. Bebo offers many of the same features found on other sites, but unlike most social networks that limit their scope to communications and utility platforms, Bebo has opened its doors to all media companies, bringing the richness of the media world to its fast-growing community of users.

With its wide range of methods for self-expression as well as its unique
Open Media experience, Bebo lets users harness the power of community to discover, experience and share video, music, books and other forms of entertainment.

What about Safety and Security?

Bebo recognizes the potential dangers of online and takes proactive measures to promote safe use of its network. Bebo works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from across the globe, CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre) and many other experts in order to make Bebo a safe and secure environment. Bebo features a “report abuse” button on every page. For further information please go to: http://www.bebo.com/Safety.jsp