This morning Microsoft has announced a pan-European partnership with MTV International and Sony BMG to provide programme clips and music videos across its MSN Video service.

The deal with MTV will initially involve clips shows such as Pimp My Ride, Punk’d, South Park, Cribs and The Hills as well as music videos from artists as diverse as Elvis and Britney Spears. The deal spans across nine European countries including the UK, France and Germany and builds on the wide-ranging $500m (£250m) advertising and content agreement between Viacom and Microsoft from December 2007.

The deal with Sony BMG will include thousands of music videos as well as exclusive backstage footage and interviews with BMG artists.

Microsoft Expands EU Video Reach With MTV & Sony BMG Deals
Microsoft today ramped up its MSN Video strategy for the UK and Western Europe announcing deals with MTV Networks International (MTVNI) and Sony BMG. MSN Video viewers can now watch content on the web from MTV shows, videos and exclusive footage of Sony BMG’s roster on top of the existing selection of global and local news and other entertainment videos plus user generated content on MSN Video’s Soapbox…

Microsoft in MTV and Sony BMG deals (Guardian Unlimited Media)