CBS' Web-only network aims to lure younger viewers

NEW YORK -- CBS Corp. launched a broadband channel yesterday called Innertube, an ad-supported outlet that will include series created for the Web, as well as material that has already run on CBS.

The site, available on CBS.com, is streaming three shows a day at first, at least one of them new each day. Material already shown will be archived and available at no charge to computer users.

''We want our content to be all the places our viewers are -- and they are certainly on the Internet," said Nancy Tellem, president of the CBS Paramount Network Television Group.

When popular series like ''CSI" might be available is an open question. Tellem said CBS affiliates are nervous about anything that might encourage people to watch the programs anywhere but their stations.

CBS is selling ads on Innertube, and some of the series contain product placement, too.

Innertube is being looked upon as a way to familiarize young viewers with programming on CBS, still the network with the oldest audience. And it's a way to explore different creative ideas; if some work, they could find their way onto the TV network, Tellem said.

''This gives us a whole new opportunity to develop new ideas on a platform that doesn't demand the high costs that we're seeing on the network side," she said.