EMERYVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 19, 2013) - ConnecTV, the social network for TV fans, and SmithGeiger LLC, the leading consumer technology and media industries market research and consulting firm, today announced a co-branded research partnership designed to provide market-leading intelligence into "second screen social TV" viewing behavior. The companies are joining together to provide reports to media companies, television networks, advertisers and their agencies. The partnership goals: Validate the higher value of second screen companion ads that synchronize with broadcast spots as well as quantify brand benefits of social ad impressions over standard "eyeballs."
SmithGeiger (smithgeiger.com), whose clients include many of the television industry's major networks and cable providers, and over 100 local stations throughout the U.S., will use its proprietary methodologies to study social and behavioral preferences of opted-in ConnecTV users. Via its "multi-poll" system, the market research firm will leverage the ConnecTV Social Television platform to understand how viewers use second-screen devices to build deeper engagement and extend their television experience by social sharing, chat and companion content interaction.
ConnecTV (www.connectv.com) is a free app that opens the door to a social TV experience on any second-screen device. It syncs with whatever show the viewer is watching to provide companion chat and content for users, who may one-touch share with friends and followers in the social sphere. ConnecTV also syncs with any television ad to trigger a companion marketing experience that lets viewers take action on the TV ad -- in real time. ConnecTV's TV AdSync Network is demonstrating a significantly improved click-through rate of .73% compared to traditional web banner ad click-through rates of .1%.
"ConnecTV is committed to thought leadership in social TV behavior that will benefit the entire television ecosystem -- and validate the greater business value of social ad impressions on the second screen versus standard eyeball impressions," said ConnecTV CMO Stacy Jolna. "In concert with SmithGeiger's industry-leading insights, we'll work to create an even more compelling social TV experience for our television and advertising industry partners as well as our 'viewers.'"
"As the content consumption landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, it is imperative that brands, networks, and content creators stay on the pulse of consumer sentiment," said Dr. Seth Geiger, President of SmithGeiger. "The ConnecTV platform enables us to reach the most engaged TV viewers, thereby providing a comprehensive, real-time snapshot of how audiences are extending their viewing experience across a range of digital platforms."
The partnership arrives fresh on the heels of ConnecTV activating its AdSync Network, the industry's first synced-at-scale social television ad network, which synchronizes advertiser messages on the ConnecTV platform with television ads on more than 400 channels across the country. For the first time, brands can optimize their television buy with a companion experience on the second screen that lets viewers buy the product, find local merchants in their neighborhood, watch product videos, enter contests and engage in other marketing initiatives. The new partnership with SmithGeiger adds an additional component to advertiser insight by working to define the most effective social TV metrics upon which marketers can build their social TV and second-screen strategies.
The free ConnecTV app is available for Apple, Android and browser-based smart phones, tablets and computers. Its companion programming content and social interactivity elements sync with any program from any TV source: cable, satellite and IPTV -- live or time-shifted. ConnecTV uses a proprietary combination of content-recognition algorithms, closed caption data and a diverse mix of content meta-data to drive the accuracy, relevancy and speed of synchronization with broadcast programming -- along with a tight technical integration into leading social media networks including Facebook and Twitter.
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 On-Line Service providers. ConnecTV is accessible free on iOS, Android and browser-based devices including smart phones, tablets and computers. ConnecTV automatically connects television viewers while they watch their favorite programs and synchronizes engaging second screen content, including news, celebrity information, trivia, polls and play-by-play sports stats. ConnecTV subscribers can see what TV shows their friends are watching, invite them to a "viewing party" and start a real-time conversation. ConnecTV also makes it easy to share viewers' favorite TV moments using Facebook, Twitter and email. ConnecTV has partnered with 10 leading broadcast groups, including Barrington Broadcasting Group, Belo Corp., Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps Co., Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst Television Inc., Media General Inc., Meredith Corp., Post-Newsweek Stations Inc. and Raycom Media. Several of these broadcasters -- the joint venture that is Pearl -- have made an undisclosed investment in ConnecTV. ConnecTV was founded by pioneering executives at the intersection of media, entertainment and technology: Ian Aaron, Alan Moskowitz and Stacy Jolna.
About SmithGeiger
SmithGeiger LLC is a custom market research and strategy firm, headquartered in Los Angeles, serving all facets of the media and online industries. Our expertise encompasses Broadcast Networks, Cable Networks, all major studios, production companies, program syndicators, Satellite and Cable Operators, and many technology and consumer products companies. We specialize in creating unique research methods to uncover consumer attitudes and preferences. Our analysis identifies opportunities and strategic action steps, which we convert into clear and concise recommendations designed to achieve success.
SmithGeiger is dedicated to bringing the highest level of research and analysis to bear on key strategic challenges facing media and entertainment companies today. We employ a broad range of research designs, methodologies and data collection sources and apply them on a client-by-client basis to arrive at the most timely and insightful analysis. For more information, please see www.smithgeiger.com.