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MediaSpan and Broadcast Interactive Media Launch YouNewsTV(TM) User Generated Video Product for Newspapers and Radio

Posted on: Monday, 25 June 2007, 09:05 CDT

MediaSpan and Broadcast Interactive Media today announced the launch of YouNews TV(TM) video, a user generated video upload, management and editing tool that easily enables local newspapers and radio stations to become part of the user-generated video movement. MediaSpan supplies digital content management and national advertising solutions for over 4,000 local media properties and Broadcast Interactive Media is a leading provider of locally focused Web solutions for over 110 local television and radio stations.

YouNews TV(TM) allows the audience of a local newspaper or radio station to become "virtual reporters" by easily uploading breaking video stories in categories such as local sports, weather, entertainment and news events to their local media website. YouNewsTV back end tools allow for monitoring, editing and tracking of video, as well as the insertion of targeted video ads. MediaSpan will be the exclusive distribution partner of YouNewsTV(TM) services to the Newspaper and TV marketplace.

"Local media has always focused on creating an intimate, two way relationship with their loyal audience. Now, through YouNews TV(TM) newspapers and radio stations can make their audience part of the video news gathering experience," says Mark Zagorski, MediaSpan Chief Marketing Officer.

YouNews TV(TM) differs from "open video" systems in that each video goes through several layers of content moderation prior to going live. Therefore, questions of copyright, and appropriateness are mitigated before a video ever reaches the local media outlet website. Additionally, YouNews TV seamlessly integrates into the local website allowing for a locally branded video experience. Both features are attractive to advertisers who are wary of the lack of transparency and moderation on most user generated video websites.

"News happens everywhere, and with the ubiquity of camera phones, and other video-enabled devices, YouNews TV(TM) now makes it possible to leverage this fact to literally create an 'army of local stringers.' YouNews TV(TM) makes it easy, safe and profitable for local media to include user generated video on their sites," says Timur Yarnall, Chief Executive Officer of Broadcast Interactive Media.

The YouNews TV(TM) program for newspapers and radio also includes pre-roll video components that allow local media to tap into the national and local revenue streams that online video is creating. YouNews TV(TM) customers automatically become part of the MediaSpan-Broadcast Interactive Media Network, providing them with access to new, national online advertising dollars. MediaSpan's local online ad network includes over 1,300 local websites in over 300 U.S. markets.

"Online video advertising is growing at a record pace, and YouNewsTV will help newspapers and radio stations capitalize on the over $300M in video advertising expected to be focused on the local market in 2007," added Zagorski.

Currently over 50 local Broadcast Interactive Media television partners have signed up for the YouNews product including Fisher Broadcasting, Granite Broadcasting and Journal Communications. YouNews TV(TM) is already cleared to launch in over 30 local markets in early Q2 2007, including 3 of the top 15 DMAs, with more local TV station websites rapidly joining the YouNews TV(TM) affiliate group each day.

Based in New York City and Madison, WI, Broadcast Interactive Media (www.bimedia.net) is the leading provider of locally focused Web solutions for more than 110 television and radio broadcast station websites. Offerings include a comprehensive suite of revenue-generating programs and national sales support, video streaming, content feeds, and technology development. Customers include groups such as Fisher Communications, Journal Broadcast Group, Meredith Broadcasting, Schurz Communications, Freedom Communications and Capitol Broadcasting.

MediaSpan (www.mediaspangroup.com) powers digital content management and online marketing solutions for the world's leading media companies including Reuters, ABC Radio, Sun Media, Gannett, Radio One, Scripps and Media General. Over 4,000 local newspaper, radio, and television properties leverage MediaSpan solutions.

MediaSpan Media Software (www.mediaspansoftware.com) provides mission-critical, pre-press infrastructure tools enabling efficient content delivery to consumers across print, web and wireless platforms. MediaSpan Online Services (www.mediaspanonline.com) provides a comprehensive suite of website management and marketing solutions. The MediaSpan Network (www.mediaspannetwork.com) delivers an unparalleled national online advertising opportunity across over 1,300 local radio, newspaper and television websites in 300 U.S. DMAs.

MediaSpan has development, support and sales offices worldwide including locations in Ann Arbor, MI, Melbourne, FL, New York, NY, London, England UK and San Clemente, CA.

 MediaSpan Contact: George Simpson George Simpson Communications 203.521.0352 Email Contact  Broadcast Interactive Contact: Marivic Valencia Marketing Director Broadcast Interactive Media 608-255-2802 Email Contact

SOURCE: MediaSpan

Source: MARKET WIRE

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