Just two weeks after issuing an ultimatum to web video giant YouTube, Viacom has announced a new partnership with online video source Joost to bring free Viacom content back to the web, according to the Hollywood Reporter. This announcement brings programming from MTV Networks and BET Networks, and films from Paramount Pictures back into legal availability for online viewers. Comedy Central fans rejoice: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are soon to be linkable again.

We're extremely pleased to be working with Joost," said Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman. "We're determined to keep pushing and growing our digital presence and bring our programming to audiences on every platform and device that they want."

"We built this platform from the ground up, with companies like Viacom in mind," said Janus Friis, co-founder of Joost. "Our platform provides scalable distribution, in a completely safe environment that protects the interest of content owners and advertisers, while delighting viewers."

Joost is currently in beta mode and is accepting new testers. The creators, Friis and partner Niklas Zennstrom, were also behind popular programs Skype and Kazaa so they've got the background to make this work.