NBBC, the ambitious video syndication venture launched by NBC Universal, is closing down even before it officially launched and will merge into its new broadband co-venture (NewCo, as we’re calling it for lack of a better name, literally) with News Corp. NBCU hinted as much in March with the announcement of the NewCo…NBBC was part of NBCU’s contribution into the JV. The service launched in Sept last year, but was plagued by senior executive defections, the rapid rise of competition from various media and independent service providers (like Brightcove and others), and then the plans and announcement of the launch of NewCo.

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The service was expected to launch sometime this year, but in an e-mail Monday to NBBC’s partners, NBCU said the service was being folded into the NewCo broadband venture in the next 30 days, reports MultiChannel.

Meanwhile, according to the memo, the 150-odd content partners—including A&E Television Networks, The Horror Channel, Vibe Media Group, CNET Networks and Forbes.com—that NBBC signed up have been left in limbo, sort of. The memo says (as reported by LR): “As part of our contribution, nbbc must sever all on-going business relationships in preparation for the merger. Therefore, this note serves as your 30-day notice of service termination with nbbc. NewSite is an independent operating entity and may reach out to you to explore potential business partnerships.” Meaning, if you’re lucky, we’ll contact you…not that anyone was betting the house on NBBC going anywhere.