Mike Wolf swears MTVN isn't picking up Rupert's left overs

Since losing out to Newscorp on the Myspace purchase, Viacom's MTV Networks has been on a shopping spree buying up web properties like bargain hunters at a flea market. Mediawire Daily (we) referred to it as Viacom's last minute dash to make up for the Myspace defeat. However MTVN Prexy Mike Wolf assures us all that they aren't just grabbing whatever they can find. There have been no multibillion-dollar Murdochian splurges, and no overnight game-changing deals for a MySpace or a YouTube. But over the last year or so, Viacom’s MTV Networks has strung together a series of doubles in the face of News Corp.’s new-media home runs. The company’s Aug. 10 $200 million acquisition of Atom Entertainment—which specializes in short films and casual gaming—was its fifth major Web purchase since June 2005. And while the headlines have been muted, most credit the cable giant for amassing a potential-filled online portfolio. According to MTVN president Michael Wolf—while some might see a disjointed effort to buy Web leftovers—these properties have been careful selected. “Each of these fits into an overall plan—building and broadening MTV Networks’ presence on the Internet,” Wolf said. Hey Mike, you guys (MTVN) still dropped the ball and this is you trying to paint a more strategic looking picture if you will. MTV Nets Follows its Own Web Creed [Mike Shields for Mediaweek]