Friday, March 2, 2012

Goin' Mobile - Content

Some quick news items -

The Smithsonian Channel is launching an iPad app as part of an effort to "better serve existing viewers and attract new ones."  The app will provide users with access to hundreds of videos, including a rotating selection of full episodes and specials and a constantly updated archive of short-form videos.  The app will include social media integration, AirPlay integration, tools for building custom playlists, and the ability to receive notifications about the Smithsonian Channel schedule and the availability of new content.

Facebook announced that it will stream multiple FA Cup soccer matches this year.  Last year, FA Cup sponsor Budweiser streamed one match through its Facebook page.  More than 30,000 people watched the live stream of an early rounds match between Ascot United and Wembley FC.  They hope to feature five preliminary round games this year.

Google has begun a YouTube Developer Program to bridge the gap between brand channels and viewers.  The program will emphasize developing templates and applications that channels can use to facilitate video production, and help users find and access content.

The latest Nielsen Cross-Platform Report shows a 36% increase in the number of mobile video users.

A new app called Are You Watching This? constantly analyzes streams of sports data to let users know what games are on and where to find them.  Behind the app is an algorithm that rates games according to the number of exciting things going on, as well as social media ratings by fans.

ZEE Network's digital division is launching a new app that will stream TV and other video channels from India.  Ditto TV is currently available in India, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE.  It's expected to be available in the US within several months.  The app currently offers 21 channels, and has partnered with a number of other streaming channels and content providers.

A study from Knowledge Networks finds that the online availability of TV shows increases their viewing, and likeability.  Over 40% of respondents said having programs available online makes them think "more highly of a TV network."  And 20% said that they spend more time watching a network's content after it became available online.

Sources -  Smithsonian Channel Lands on iPadBroadcasting & Cable
Facebook to broadcast more live FA Cup matches next seasonMarketingMagazine.co.uk
YouTube Begins to Form Developer Channel ProgramOnlineMediaDaily
TV Sourcing and Viewing Continues to Change, Research Brief from the Center for Media Research
How one sports geek wants to save cable TV with dataGigaOM
ZEE launches app to stream channels from IndiaBizAsia.co.uk
TV Shows With Online Access Improve ReachMediaDailyNews

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