WE tv, MSG, Fuse and Ensequence Team Up as Finalists for CTAM ITV Idol Awards

MULTI-FUNCTION ITV APP FOR MULTIPLE NETWORKS WILL BE DEMONSTRATED AT THE CTAM SUMMIT

NEW YORK CITY – October 4, 2011 – Ensequence, the interactive TV company, and its customers WE tv, MSG Networks and Fuse, the national music television network of the Madison Square Garden Company, today announced that they have teamed up to compete against four other teams at the finals of the CTAM iTV Idol awards at the CTAM Summit 2011 on October 5, 2011. 

The Ensequence iTV Manager® platform enables WE tv, MSG Networks (MSG and MSG+) and Fuse to easily update their interactive TV applications to match each network’s branding and manage unique feature combinations depending on engagement goals for each show. The interactive TV experience occupies the lower third of the screen and offers up to five interactive features: polling, trivia/quiz, social media integration (Twitter), sponsorship and recommended programming. Application sponsors engage viewers with interactive banner advertising leading to a lower-third splash page where sponsors can communicate their message through text, graphics and pictures. The application is designed to work on a range of STBs from lower-end to high-end. 

“We are focused on fully engaging our audience by developing robust interactive opportunities.” said Jen Robertson, senior vice president, digital media and business development, WE tv. “The multi-function EBIF iTV Application puts our viewers in control of a diverse in-program experience and can be used between multiple programming groups (WE tv, MSG and Fuse).”

WE tv tested a simpler application on a limited footprint with polling functionality and experienced double-digit response rates. The metrics from this interactive test provided WE tv with proof that its viewers respond positively to engagement opportunities and the confidence to proceed with development and deployment of this cutting-edge application. The application was designed and developed by Ensequence and all elements of the iTV experiences are managed with the Ensequence iTV Manager Programmer Edition. W. E. Keller Group advised WE tv on the development of this in-program interactive TV experience. 

“MSG, MSG+ and Fuse are fortunate to have passionate sports and music fans who consistently demonstrate a strong desire to interact with the brands across multiple platforms,” said Peter Tulloch, VP Advanced Services, MSG Media. “Now, with this interactive television application, we look forward to offering our fans yet another way to engage with their favorite programs, players and artists.” 

“We are excited about this year’s iTV Idol competition and the opportunity to demonstrate how contextually relevant, synchronized interactivity increases tune-in and time spent watching, which directly impacts ratings, CPMs and advertising revenue,” said Michael Kelley, SVP Programming and Advertising at Ensequence. 

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About Ensequence 

Ensequence, the interactive TV company, enables programmers, service providers and advertisers to increase programming ratings, advertising effectiveness and merchandise sales by making their shows and commercials more powerful and engaging with interactive TV. The Ensequence iTV Manager® interactive platform solves the technical complexities associated with creating and deploying a high volume of uniquely branded interactive television experiences across cable, satellite, telco and connected devices. Ensequence’s customers include the largest and most innovative programmers and service providers in the media industry: NBCUniversal, MTV Networks, Showtime Networks, Turner Broadcasting, HBO, QVC, WE tv, MSG, Fuse, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Canoe Ventures, DISH Network and Verizon. In addition, Ensequence is deployed on multiple connected device platforms. To learn more, visit www.ensequence.com, follow Ensequence on Twitter and visit our YouTube channel. 

About WE tv

WE tv (www.wetv.com) offers compelling, entertaining stories that focus on key life stages of a modern woman, from getting married to having children and raising a family. Available in over 77 million homes, the network’s original programming includes the critically acclaimed, viewer favorite The Locator (the network’s most-watched series ever), the poignant, and often comical, real-life story of a family raising multiple toddlers, Raising Sextuplets, and a robust line-up of wedding series, including the hit show Bridezillas, Amazing Wedding Cakes and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. WE tv is available in HD and WE tv On Demand is available in more than 30 million homes.

About MSG Media 

MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from MSG’s venues. MSG Media consists of the MSG Networks (MSG, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) regional sports networks and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD), a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Media is also responsible for managing interactive initiatives (online, mobile, VOD and iTV) across all business segments. MSG Media is part of The Madison Square Garden Company, a fully-integrated sports, media and entertainment business. The company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive the company’s overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that the company creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Connecticut Whale (AHL). MSG Sports also features the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis, as well as MSG Action Sports, an action sports and lifestyle division. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in MSG’s diverse collection of venues. These venues include Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

Media Contacts:

Ensequence

Jessie Dawes, Ensequence, 212-358-8994, jdawes@ensequence.com

Carole Shander Public Relations, 917-733-3812, csprcable@verizon.net

WE tv 

Jaime Saberito, 646-273-3628, jmsaberito@rainbow-media.com

MSG Media

Dan Schoenberg, 212-465-6367, Dan.Schoenberg@msg.com