FOX Launches New Digital Content Syndication Network

By: Feb. 26, 2013
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FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX) today announced that it is launching a new, first-of-its-kind syndication network that will distribute FOX's custom sync-to-broadcast experiences - currently available exclusively in FOX NOW apps - to other second-screen TV app providers. Powered by content syndication platform Watchwith, the new network allows partners to take advantage of FOX's high-quality companion content and ensures that fans can enjoy a premium, cohesive FOX digital content and advertising experience across multiple TV apps and platforms.

Syndication partners at launch include digital leaders Shazam, the world's leading media engagement company; Viggle?, a leading second-screen TV platform that makes TV more rewarding; ConnecTV, the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans; and NextGuide, the hyper-personalized TV guide app (from Dijit Media) that helps people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Through these partnerships, viewers using Shazam, Viggle, ConnecTV or NextGuide can easily access FOX's social, behind-the-scenes and interactive content around their favorite FOX shows while synced to the broadcast.

"FOX has some of the most loyal, invested fans on the planet, so we want them to have the richest, most immersive experience possible with our shows and our brand partners - no matter which TV app or platform they use," said David Wertheimer, President, Digital, FOX Broadcasting. "By syndicating the content we've Built around our show broadcasts, we're extending the FOX experience to viewers across all digital platforms and providing our partners with new and valuable opportunities around our content."

"FOX's focus on the creation of second-screen content as the shows are being produced is a really important step in the industry, and we're proud to be one of FOX's launch partners," said Doug Garland, Chief Revenue Officer at Shazam. "Given the significant reach of Shazam - 85 million users in the US alone - we're excited to partner with FOX to engage a wide audience with compelling second-screen content."

In addition to mobile and tablet second-screen environments, the network is designed to allow FOX to create, manage and syndicate content to the rapidly evolving industry of Smart TVs, Connected TVs and television service providers looking to increase audience engagement. FOX is currently in discussions with such providers and plans to announce additional partners soon.

"FOX is a leader in creating premium sync-to-broadcast experiences," said Zane Vella, CEO at Watchwith. "The launch of this syndication network is a true path to scale for FOX, their distribution partners, and advertisers. Watchwith is excited to help power this vision for the innovators at FOX Broadcasting Company."

About Shazam

Shazam is the world's leading media engagement company with more than 300 million people in 200 countries and adding another two million new users each week. With the industry's unlimited fastest tagging in the Free and premium Encore Apps on iOS and Android devices, Shazam is the best way for people to discover, explore, buy and share more music, TV shows and branded content they love.

Shazam makes it easy for people to share their discoveries with their friends on Facebook using the Shazam Friends feature, as well as on Twitter and Google+. For people who don't yet have the Shazam application on their smartphone, it is available for FREE on every major platform and can be found on iTunes App Store, Google play, Amazon App Store, AT&T's AppCenter, Verizon VCast app store, Nokia Store, Windows Phone Marketplace, Blackberry App World and GetJar.

For further information about Shazam Entertainment visit www.shazam.com and @ShazamNews or follow us onFacebook. For daily music updates follow the Shazam Blog and @Shazam.

About Viggle

Launched in January 2012, Viggle is a free second-screen media platform that rewards its members for watching their favorite TV shows. Viggle enhances TV with interactive games like Viggle LIVE and the first ever real-time fantasy sports game, MyGuy. Viggle members get rewarded for their TV time from places like Best Buy, Papa John's, Fandango, Hulu Plus and Groupon, among others. Viggle also allows like-minded fans of their favorite shows to connect through Viggle Chatter features. Viggle's audio verification technology recognizes shows on TV and allows members to check into live and DVR'd TV content from more than 170 of the most popular broadcast and cable channels. For more information, visit www.viggle.com, follow us on Twitter @Viggle or like us on Facebook.

About ConnecTV

ConnecTV is the biggest social network designed specifically for TV fans - a second-screen companion entertainment experience that complements the video programming delivered from cable, satellite, telecom, over-the-air or online service providers. ConnecTV automatically connects television viewers while they watch their favorite programs and synchronizes engaging second-screen content, including the latest news, celebrity information, trivia, polls and play-by-play sports stats - as well as top Tweets and real-time chat with guest chat stars and other Superfans. ConnecTV subscribers can see what TV shows their friends are watching and invite them to a "viewing party" for conversation, games and prizes. ConnecTV also makes it easy to "one touch" share viewers' favorite TV moments using Facebook, Twitter and email. ConnecTV was founded by pioneering executives at the intersection of media, entertainment and technology: Ian Aaron, Alan Moskowitz and Stacy Jolna.

About Dijit Media

Dijit Media is a startup transforming the way people discover and experience TV shows and movies. Dijit's newest product is NextGuide, a hyper-personalized TV listings guide designed specifically for the iPad. The company's first app, launched in 2011, was the Dijit Remote - the top-rated iOS remote control app, which also powers the experience for the Griffin Beacon iOS accessory. The company is venture-backed, based in San Francisco and is helmed by a team of serial entrepreneurs including TV technology industry veterans Jeremy Toeman and Adam Burg, as well as Stanford alum Thomas Quinto. More information about the company is available at www.dijit.com and more information about the app is available at www.nextguide.tv.

About Watchwith

Watchwith, the leader in related content syndication, unlocks value across the entertainment industry by transforming how people experience film and television. Watchwith gives content owners and app developers a way to realize new value by creating an engaging layer of time- based related content events, one-click commerce, and contextual advertising around film, television programming and commercials. Watchwith also provides business rules-based syndication of the related content experience to smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, game consoles and OTT set-top boxes. Powered by the Related Content Database, Watchwith enables content owners to create new licensable related content properties that will generate profits across media far into the future. Watchwith is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information visit watchwith.com.


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